The transfer window is in full swing, bringing a flurry of activity and speculation across the football world. Among the most intriguing developments, Chelsea’s pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet remains a focal point, while intriguing updates surface regarding the futures of Jean Philippe Mateta and Callum Wilson. Simon Jones of Daily Mail Sport provides the latest insights.

Leeds offer £12m for Bremen midfielder

Leeds United have initiated discussions with Werder Bremen as they eye a move for the adaptable midfielder Romano Schmid. With Jaka Bijol sidelined for a month due to a hamstring injury, Leeds is keen to bolster their defensive lineup. The club is revisiting their interest in Schmid, who was previously on their radar this summer. Schmid’s versatility, able to play both centrally and on the left, makes him a valuable target.

In a notable shift, Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to end his loan spell with Nottingham Forest to join Ajax. This move has been facilitated by Ajax’s new technical director Jordi Cruyff, who successfully negotiated with Arsenal. Zinchenko, eager for more consistent playing time, will join the Dutch side on loan until the season’s end. He will reunite with former Arsenal teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu, a prospect that promises to be mutually beneficial for both players.

Romano Schmid (in green) is wanted by Leeds United, who have offered £12m

Zinchenko cuts short Forest spell to move to Ajax

Behind the scenes, Dutch agent Nathan van Kooperen has been instrumental in brokering Zinchenko’s transition to Ajax. As the transfer window continues to unfold, these moves highlight the strategic maneuvers clubs are making to strengthen their squads.

New Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff has helped arrange agreement with Arsenal and the Ukraine international is joining the Dutch side on another loan until the end of the season.

Dutch agent Nathan van Kooperen has brokered the deal with Zinchenko eager to gain more regular game time. He will link up once again with former Arsenal teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu.

United’s Collyer heading to Hull 

Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer is poised to join Hull City on loan this week. Collyer had a loan at West Brom cut short and had been having treatment for a calf injury.

Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic said: ‘With Toby Collyer we are waiting but I think we have a green light from Man United and I think he will join us on Monday.

‘This is what I know but we have agreed everything with Man United. He will have a medical this weekend. He is now ready for training.’

Another loan move for Man City star 

Manchester City attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri has joined Girona on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old joins City’s sister club after spending a disappointing spell on loan at German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Echeverri, who failed to score in his 11 appearances overall for Leverkusen, made just six of those appearances in the Bundesliga

Chelsea in talks over Jacquet 

Chelsea have held talks with Rennes for highly sought-after defender Jeremy Jacquet but the French side want over £50million for the 20-year-old.

Rennes hope to command a record fee in excess of £50m for Chelsea target Jeremy Jacquet

Jacquet has already indicated he would like to join the Stamford Bridge club but Rennes hope to command a record fee for a player who has interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Chelsea have brought talks forward for January amid concerns their rivals for Jacquet would be in stronger positions to buy this summer.

Rennes’ previous record sale was the £55m deal they struck with Manchester City for Jeremy Doku.

Palace rebuff first Juventus approach for Mateta 

Juventus have been rebuffed in their first approach for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Italians have a limited budget and have been offering a loan with obligation. 

They also have interest in Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi who is also on Chelsea’s shortlist.

Crystal Palace have rejected Juventus’ initial approach for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta

Newcastle eye Brugge full back

Newcastle United have checked on Club Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys.

Cherries close to sealing deal for Lazio shot-stopper 

Bournemouth are closing on a deal to sign Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas.

The Greece international is in discussions to join on a loan.

The 24-year-old, who has also attracted enquiries from West Ham and Wolves, has made just the one appearance for Lazio this season in the Coppa Italia.

 Wolves defender nears exit door

Besiktas are closing on agreement with Wolves for defender Emmanuel Agbadou. 

The clubs are working on a deal worth £14m for the 28-year-old.

Wilson talks to step up this week

West Ham striker Callum Wilson is expected to speak to Al Shabab this week but Everton retain interest in the 33-year-old.

Burnley have an interest in James Ward-Prowse.

West Ham forward Callum Wilson is expected to hold talks with Al Shabab this week

LaLiga clubs chase Brighton defender 

Brighton centre back Diego Coppola, 22, is attracting interest from Spanish sides Valencia and Girona.

Brentford midfielder Onyeka in-demand 

Sheffield United have joined Valencia, Coventry and Birmingham in asking for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka who is available this window.

Brentford would consider a loan with option to buy on promotion for the Championship sides or a permanent sale. Bees midfielder Vitaly Janelt has signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract, with a club option to extend for a further year.

McClean leaves Wrexham for hometown club 

Wrexham forward James McClean, 36, is returning to hometown club Derry City. 

The Welsh club are ready to splash out again this window as they look for a striker.

Celtic face competition for Noonan 

Celtic and Hoffenheim have made offers for Shamrock Rovers’ 17-year-old forward Michael Noonan.

Watford hope to complete deal for former Roma star 

Watford are hopeful of reaching agreement with former Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove who collapsed on the pitch following a cardiac arrest 14 months ago while on loan at Fiorentina.

To catch up on all the moves and stories so far this week go to:

SATURDAY: Chelsea step up pursuit of Ligue 1 star 

FRIDAY: Man City agree five-year deal with Marc Guehi

THURSDAY: Conor Gallagher’s replacement lined up at Atletico 

WEDNESDAY: The latest on Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool future 

TUESDAY: The Championship clubs chasing Tom Lawrence as he shines in Perth