Man Utd's 'concrete steps' in pursuit of €70m Serie A man as bargain forward explored

The January transfer window is moving towards a climax and deals look set to be done across the Premier League this week. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will feel the urge to dip into the market, but here's a look at some of the transfer stories being reported this evening.

Juventus set Bremer price

Manchester United have taken 'concrete steps' towards signing Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, according to reports in Italy. Calcio Mercato are claiming United have reached out regarding the possibility of adding Bremer to their ranks, but the Brazilian will not be making the move to Old Trafford on the cheap.

It is claimed Juventus value the 26-year-old at €70m, with Chelsea and Tottenham rumoured to have taken a look at him, too. Bremer has been an ever present in Juventus' backline this season, starting all 22 of the club's Serie A fixtures as they push to claim top spot.

The defender joined Juventus from their cross-city rivals Torino for a fee thought to be around €41m and having extended his contract with the club last month, he is contracted until the summer of 2028.

United and Chelsea eye bargain forward

Manchester United and Chelsea are both considering a move for former Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite. Braithwaite is currently with Espanyol and has a €7m release clause in his deal, but according to a Marca report, he could be available for much less with the two clubs in negotiations.

Espanyol are currently fifth in the Spanish second tier, but should they be promoted this season, the Denmark international would be allowed to leave on a free. Should they fail to bounce back to the top flight, clubs could sign him for as little as €600,000.

Braithwaite has had a spell in the Premier League before, making 36 appearances for Middlesbrough during a season on Teesside. That was before a spell with Barcelona in which he scored five league goals in 44 appearances.