The influential midfielder featured 11 times for the Gunners before his injury, as he picked up the knock in their 6-0 win over Ludogorets. Conte looked at the defender last season when arrived but the club prioritised deals for David Luiz, Alonso and NGolo Kante. Barcelona are also watching the situation from afar — but they are in no position to compete with their Clasico rivals financially unless they sell a big player. Central defender Pepe, 33, has fallen down the Bernabeu pecking order and Jose Mourinho is looking to sign him next summer. in his contract – meaning the Red Devils could steal him away from Portugal. LIVERPOOL want to sign Norwich City’s Jacob Murphy and then loan him back to the Championship side in a bid to beat Tottenham to his signature. Several offers have been made to the defender but a final agreement just can not be reached which is beginning to frustrate the club and sporting director Patrick Kluivert. Reuters5Emil Forsberg was sent off after 30 minutes in his last matchBut the German wants to raid his old league to add the Swedish RB Leipzig star to the ranks at Anfield. ANDY CARROLL is ruling out a big-money move to the Far East — and insists his future lies in the East End. The Toffees have made a central midfielder a priority in the January window, however manager Ronald Koeman is struggling to bag Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin.