TRANSFER GOSSIP COLUMN: Newcastle ‘confident they can sign Kalvin Phillips in January’, while Arsenal target Matthijs de Ligt and Tottenham trio are told ‘they can leave next month’

The January transfer window is just around the corner and a number of Premier League clubs could be active next month.

After losing eight of their last 12 games in all competitions, Newcastle are desperate for reinforcements and Eddie Howe has made signing Kalvin Phillips his top priority in January.

The England international looks set to finally leave Manchester City after struggling to get first-team opportunities since joining from Leeds for £45 million last summer.

Phillips has made just 10 appearances in all competitions this season and admitted last month that he wants to play regularly to keep his place in Gareth Southgate's plans.

Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad but FFP rules mean he may have to wait until the summer and Tottenham are planning a winter clear-out with three senior players told they can leave next month.

Below, Mailsport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Thursday.

Newcastle are leading the race to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City in January, but will face competition from Juventus, Crystal Palace and Everton. (The Telegraph)

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt but may have to wait until the summer to formally submit a bid as FFP issues mean the Gunners need to balance the books. (The Athletics)

Mohamed Salah remains fully focused on Liverpool and a move to Saudi Arabia in January is highly unlikely. The Egyptian was strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer but stayed put. (Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool have asked Fulham about the availability of Antonee Robinson as they look to sign a left-back in January. The 26-year-old American international has featured in 18 of the Cottagers' 19 Premier League games this season. (90 minutes)

Arsenal are keen to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt but may have to wait until the summer before formal talks can be opened with the Bundesliga giants

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a priority for Juventus in the January transfer window

Juventus have made Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg their priority as they look to strengthen their midfield in January. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Along with Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris, Hojbierg has been told he can leave Spurs in January. (Football insider)

Tottenham are about to open talks with Ajax to sign Stanis Idumbo-Muzambo, who is also interested from Sevilla. The Belgian Under-19 star will leave in January on a fee or as a free agent at the end of the season after turning down a new contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

Gelson Martins is set to join compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest in January. The Portuguese winger last played for Monaco in March and his contract expires at the end of the season. (Corn futebol – in Portuguese)

Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves has opened talks with Benfica over a new deal, which could see his release clause rise from £104m to £130m. The 19-year-old has been linked with Manchester United. (Oh Jogo – in Portuguese)

Roma are hoping to sign former Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci in January. The 36-year-old joined Union Berlin this summer, but the Bundesliga are willing to let him leave for free next month. (Gazetta dello Sport – in Italian)

Real Madrid are interested in Penarol goalkeeper Randall Rodriguez. Los Blancos are unlikely to make Kepa Arrizabalaga's loan from Chelsea permanent but are looking for a long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois. (IF – in Spanish)

Carlos Soler has attracted interest from Sevilla, Villarreal and Real Betis. The versatile midfielder has made just fourteen appearances in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain this season. (Foot Mercato – in French)