Football gossip: Van de Ven, Olmo, Alexander-Arnold, De Bruyne

Real Madrid are interested in signing Micky van de Ven from Tottenham amid an injury crisis in defence, while Barcelona could see both Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong leave in January as the La Liga giants face having to cut costs.

Tottenham and Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven, 23, is a January target for Real Madrid following a series of injuries to the Spanish club’s defensive players. (Relevo – in Spanish), external

But free agent and former captain Sergio Ramos, 38, wants a dream return to Real Madrid following the injuries to fellow Spaniard, 32-year-old Dani Carvajal, Austrian David Alaba, 32, Brazilian Eder Militao, 26. (AS – in Spanish), external

Barcelona forward Dani Olmo, 26, is open to a Premier League loan move in January if his club cannot register the Spain international for the second half of the season. (TBR Football), external

The La Liga side, meanwhile, are trying to free up funds so they can register Olmo – including slashing their asking price for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 27. (Mundo Deportivo), external

England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, has not told Liverpool that he has chosen to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, despite reports in Spain. (Liverpool Echo), external

England forward Raheem Sterling, 30, will not consider cutting short his Arsenal loan deal from Chelsea in January, despite not starting a league game since 19 October. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Everton are yet to open contract talks with England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, who is a target for Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. (Daily Mail), external

Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, with a January move for the United States defender, 27, a possibility. (Football Insider), external

Colombia striker Jhon Duran, 21, could leave Aston Villa in the transfer window, with Atalanta’s 25-year-old Italian forward Mateo Retegui eyed as a replacement. (Caught Offside), external

Real Madrid are planning to open talks with Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, 24, over a new deal. (AS – in Spanish), external

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 33, prefers a move to the United States and Major League Soccer, if the Belgian leaves when his contract expires this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, 34, is wanted by Mexican club Cruz Azul – who would be the 13th club of the Italian’s career. (Gazzeta dello Sport – in Italian), external