Transfer Talk Update: Lucas Leiva, Andre Schurrle, Aymeric Laporte

With the January transfer window fast approaching its midway stage, and another day of speculation and activity coming to a close, Sports Mole rounds up the latest stories to hit the gossip columns.

Sunday evening's headlines:

Report: Liverpool yet to receive Lucas Leiva bid
A report claims that Liverpool have yet to receive a bid for midfielder Lucas Leiva, following suggestions elsewhere that the Brazilian is close to leaving the club. Read more.

Andre Schurrle prefers Dortmund switch?
Chelsea's Andre Schurrle would reportedly prefer to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer, rather than sign for Wolfsburg this month. Read more.

Report: Manchester United to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte
A deal to bring Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte to Manchester United for £25m is "80% done", according to reports. Read more.

Moussa Sissoko: "Arsenal has always been the club of my heart"
Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko says that he wants to leave Newcastle United for "a big club", adding that he would appreciate a move to Arsenal. Read more.

Report: Liverpool's Oussama Assaidi to join Al-Ahli
Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of selling winger Oussama Assaidi, currently on loan at Stoke City, to Dubai-based Al-Ahli for £4.7m. Read more.

Papiss Cisse hints at Newcastle United exit
Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse reveals that contact has been made with "a lot of clubs", including Swansea City, over a potential transfer. Read more.

Liverpool plot Christian Benteke, Fabian Delph bid?
Liverpool are reportedly preparing January bids for Aston Villa duo Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph. Read more.

Virgil van Dijk: 'Celtic will not let me leave in January'
Reported Arsenal and Spurs target Virgil van Dijk reveals that Celtic have told him that they will not let him leave during this month's transfer window. Read more.

Report: Manchester City agree £27m Wilfried Bony deal
A report claims that Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony is close to finalising personal terms on a £75,000-per-week, £27m deal to join Manchester City. Read more.

Liverpool 'close to signing Divock Origi'
Liverpool are reportedly close to sealing a deal to bring Divock Origi back from his loan spell at Lille earlier than initially agreed. Read more.

Report: Samuel Eto'o in talks to join Sampdoria
Everton striker Samuel Eto'o is in talks with Sampdoria over a move to Serie A worth £1.7m a year, according to reports. Read more.

Wolverhampton Wanderers agree Benik Afobe fee
Benik Afobe's switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers moves a step closer after the Championship club agree a fee with Arsenal. Read more.

Joey Barton: 'Arsenal should sign John Stones'
Arsenal should try to sign Everton defender John Stones, according to Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton. Read more.

Report: Toronto offer Jermain Defoe, Jozy Altidore swap
MLS side Toronto reportedly offer Jermain Defoe to Sunderland as part of a deal to sign striker Jozy Altidore. Read more.

West Ham United to offer Adrian new deal?
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian will reportedly be offered a new contract by West Ham United. Read more.

Report: Manchester United plot Gokhan Tore move
Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore, who was a trainee at Chelsea, is reportedly a January transfer target of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Read more.

Cardiff City opt not to sign Chelsea striker Islam Feruz on loan
Chelsea striker Islam Feruz returns to Stamford Bridge as Cardiff City opt not to sign the 19-year-old on loan. Read more.

AC Milan keen on Mattia Destro, Stephan El Shaarawy swap?
AC Milan want to bring Mattia Destro to the San Siro in exchange for Stephan El Shaarawy, according to a report from Italy. Read more.

Xherdan Shaqiri: 'I wanted to join Liverpool'
Xherdan Shaqiri reveals that he wanted to join Liverpool in the summer, but Bayern Munich would not agree to the transfer. Read more.

Peter Crouch wants Stoke City contract extension
Stoke City striker Peter Crouch admits that he wants a new contract at the club. Read more.

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur prefer Demarai Gray to Saido Berahino?
Liverpool and Tottenham are both reportedly switching their attention to signing Birmingham winger Demarai Gray ahead of West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino. Read more.

Report: West Bromwich Albion move for Demba Ba
Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba is reportedly a transfer target of West Bromwich Albion as Tony Pulis looks to bolster his attacking options. Read more.

Report: West Bromwich Albion to make £5m Jamie Vardy bid
West Bromwich Albion will reportedly make a £5m bid for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy this month. Read more.

Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie eyes Premier League
Having extended his contract with the club, Matt Ritchie targets promotion to the Premier League with Bournemouth. Read more.

Steve McClaren confirms Raul Albentosa interest
Steve McClaren admits that he is hoping to add Eibar centre-back Raul Albentosa to his Derby County squad. Read more.

Report: Stoke City enter Tyrone Mings race
Stoke City are reportedly plotting a £4m move for Ipswich Town left-back Tyrone Mings this month. Read more.