West Ham United are preparing an offer worth up to £25 million ($31.3 million) for Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson after it was confirmed Diafra Sakho will miss up to six weeks with a thigh injury.

Wilson has emerged as Slaven Bilic’s main priority in the January transfer window after a poor start to the season that has left West Ham just one point clear of the relegation zone. 

Bournemouth rejected an offer of around £15 million from West Ham in May.

West Ham have been scouting Wilson since his 20 goals helped Bournemouth to promotion from the Championship in 2015.

Gareth Southgate has been hired as the new manager of England on a four-year deal.

Southgate replaces Sam Allardyce after a spell as interim manager.

There is a break clause after the World Cup in Russia that can be triggered by either party. It is understood his salary will be around £1.5 million a year.

Southgate was the only candidate interviewed by the governing body. 

RTL reports PSG director of football Patrick Kluivert has reportedly contacted Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge.

Senior figures at Barcelona have said they are confident Messi will choose to see out the remainder of his career with the club as an extension has been discussed.

Manchester City has also been linked to a move for Messi.

Jermaine Jones has said that he would like to play again in Major League Soccer as he heads into free agency.

Jones said he would like a pay raise that returns him closer to the $3.05 million he made with New England last year before the Rapids acquired him in March for $650,000.

Jones is open to returning to Europe.

"People know that I came to this league as a [designated player] and this is where I want to go back to," Jones told the Denver Post. "I'm a free agent now. I will sit back and see what comes. I'm not scared to go back to Europe or scared to go to Mexico or somewhere."

Manchester United, Arsenal, Southampton and Atletico Madrid watched Celtic forward Moussa Dembele during Wednesday's Champions League match against Barcelona.

Dembele has been a revelation for Celtic this season, scoring 16 goals in 26 games in all competitions.

United and Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Dembele and have watched him on several occasions this season.

Celtic are desperate to retain Dembele and are unlikely to consider a sale during the January window.

The board of Manchester City is ready to approve the purchase of a central defender during the January transfer window.

City had no plans to act in the winter window but Vincent Kompany’s latest injury may force a rethink of that position.

City signed John Stones in the summer while also pursuing Leonardo Bonucci and Aymeric Laporte.

Kompany will be ruled out for a minimum of a month with a knee injury meaning he will have missed 39 weeks of this calendar year.

Arsène Wenger plans to offer Jack Wilshere a contract extension despite being on a season-long loan with Bournemouth.

Wilshere has just one season remaining on his current deal with Arsenal.

Wenger quipped that negotiations would not be imminent – “not before the Bournemouth game” – but he did want to get cracking on talks soon. “Ideally, yes.”

Wenger has not spoken to Wilshere directly since the player moved to Bournemouth.

“I leave him to deal with his manager. Every week I ask: ‘How did he play?’ I read the reports and when I can see highlights or watch him on television, I will watch him. I’m happy that he hasn’t had any injuries since he left us.”

Jose Mourinho said Manchester United will exercise their option to extend Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract for a second season.

Ibrahimovic, 35, joined United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Ibrahimovic openly talked about his interest in someday playing in the MLS this week.

"Zlatan's situation is simple," Mourinho told a news conference. "He has one plus one. We are happy with him. We are going to execute the option of a second season. After that he can do what he wants."

Isco and Real Madrid are both interested in discussing a contract extension.

"I've got this season and the next to run on my contract. My myself and the club are keen. I hope we can sort something out," said Isco.

Isco was linked to a loan or transfer with Tottenham Hotspur amongst the clubs most notably mentioned as interested. Isco's place with Real Madrid has been uncertain due to their crowded midfield.

Isco has been a favorite of the Real Madrid supporters as one of their only players on Spain's national team.

Luis Enrique dismissed a new round of rumors linking Lionel Messi to Manchester City.

“I don’t know. I have no idea,” Enrique said curtly. “Lionel is always ready to play and I’m sure he will be ready to face Celtic. He is 100% and eager to give the best version of himself.”

Messi has yet to sign an extension with Barcelona.