Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Ederson to Newcastle United, Said Benrahma to Marseille, Ovie Ejaria to Plymouth Argyle

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 January 2024

Transfer rumours: Ederson to Newcastle, Benrahma to Marseille, Ejaria to Plymouth

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Ederson to Newcastle United, Said Benrahma to Marseille and Ovie Ejaria to Plymouth Argyle.

Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a January deal for Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson.

The Magpies are finding it difficult to do business this month due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play, but news of Joelinton's long-term thigh problem could see them enter the market for a new midfielder.

According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Ederson's situation at Atalanta with a view to potentially making an offer for him before the end of the winter window.

Ederson's Italian club are believed to be willing to listen to offers in excess of £35m for a player who has also been linked with Manchester United this month.

The 24-year-old arrived at Atalanta from Salernitana in 2022, and he has represented his current side on 64 occasions, scoring seven goals and registering two assists.

This season, the Brazilian has scored six times and registered one assist in 27 appearances.

Olympiacos' Kostas Fortounis in action with West Ham United's Said Benrahma on November 9, 2023 © Reuters

Staying in the Premier League, West Ham United have allegedly rejected a loan offer from Marseille for attacker Said Benrahma.

The 28-year-old has featured on 22 occasions for the Hammers during the 2023-24 campaign but has struggled to impress, contributing zero goals and just one assist.

Benrahma is down the pecking order when it comes to the positions in the final third of the field, but he did start against Bristol City in the FA Cup on Tuesday night.

It was not a match to remember for the Algerian, though, as he was sent off in a 1-0 loss for David Moyes's side.

According to the London Evening Standard, Marseille approached West Ham with a loan offer, but the initial approach was quickly turned down by the Premier League club.

Moyes's side are believed to be open to letting Benrahma leave during the winter market but would prefer a permanent exit, which could allow them to bring in a replacement.

Reading's Ovie Ejaria in action with Norwich City's Max Aarons in the Championship on December 16, 2020 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to Football Insider, Plymouth Argyle are considering a move for Ovie Ejaria, who is currently available on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old's contract at Reading was terminated by mutual consent towards the end of December, and he is currently searching for a new club.

Plymouth are looking to boost their midfield department before the end of the month and have allegedly identified Ejaria as a possible incoming.

The former England Under-21s international turned out for both Arsenal and Liverpool at youth level and went on to represent the latter's first team on eight occasions before leaving permanently for Reading in 2020 after loan spells with the Royals, Sunderland and Rangers.

Ejaria has made 135 Championship appearances during his professional career and could be brought in to boost a Plymouth outfit that currently sit 19th in the second tier of English football.