The January transfer window is almost here and clubs around the UK and Europe are lining up moves as they look to take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen.

Thursday morning's headlines:

Football rumours from the media: Barcelona eye Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata
Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Gary Cahill and Brahim Diaz are also linked with moves in Thursday's transfer gossip. Read more.

Alvaro Morata 'in touch with Barcelona'
Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata has been 'in touch' with Barcelona over a potential return to Spain, according to a report. Read more.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente open to Athletic Bilbao return
Fernando Llorente admits that he "would like to go back" to Athletic Bilbao as he does not feel like an important member of Tottenham Hotspur's squad. Read more.

Claude Puel keen to trim Leicester City squad in January
Leicester City title winners Danny Simpson, Andy King and Shinji Okazaki are reportedly among those Claude Puel is looking to offload in January. Read more.

On-loan defender Filip Benkovic wishes to stay at Celtic
Leicester City's Filip Benkovic intends to stay on at loan club Celtic until the end of the season and win some more silverware. Read more.

Newcastle United 'on brink of completing Miguel Almiron deal'
Miguel Almiron is reportedly a matter of hours away from officially joining Newcastle United from Major League Soccer side Atlanta United. Read more.

Report: Juventus not interested in Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil
A report claims that Juventus turned down the chance to open talks with Mesut Ozil over a future transfer from Arsenal. Read more.

Juventus to 'make £72.1m bid for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba'
Juventus are reportedly ready to make an €80m (£72.11m) offer for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba during the January transfer window. Read more.

Eric Bailly, Gary Cahill on Arsenal radar?
Arsenal are reportedly considering bids for Manchester United defender Eric Bailly and Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill during the January transfer window. Read more.

Atletico Madrid considering bid for Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani?
Atletico Madrid reportedly identify Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani as a potential replacement for Diego Costa. Read more.

Yaya Toure keen for Premier League return?
Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is reportedly looking to return to the Premier League having been released from his deal with Olympiacos. Read more.

Manchester United looking at Middlesbrough youngster Marcus Tavernier?
Manchester United are reportedly considering an offer for Middlesbrough youngster Marcus Tavernier, who has broken into the Championship side's first team this season. Read more.

Valencia boss Marcelino: 'Not right to discuss potential Michy Batshuayi stay'
Valencia boss Marcelino suggests that no decision has been made on whether Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi will remain at the club on a permanent basis. Read more.

Tottenham Hotspur show interest in Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio?
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on trying to tempt Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio into a move to North London. Read more.

AC Milan considering approach for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford?
AC Milan are reportedly considering an approach for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford with the Italian giants looking to strengthen in the final third. Read more.