TRANSFER GOSSIP COLUMN: Real Madrid have made room in their budget to sign Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, while Arsenal are set to complete a permanent deal for David Raya

The January transfer window is set to open on just over a month's time, and clubs are already starting to get their plans in place to strengthen their squads.

Manchester United have been linked with bringing in a centre back, with Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Ignacio both reportedly on their list of targets.

It could also be a busy month for Chelsea, who have been linked with Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while defender Trevoh Chalobah could be shown the exit door.

It looks set to be a fascinating start to 2024, with teams aiming to put themselves in optimum position to finish the campaign strongly.

Below, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Friday.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are both on Real Madrid's radar. The Spanish giants are putting together a £342m budget that includes £111m in the bank and £231m in credit policies, and are reportedly eyeing moves for the forward duo as they want to make a 'Galactico signing'. (AS)

Arsenal are set to finalise a permanent deal for goalkeeper David Raya. The shot-stopper joined on loan from Brentford in the summer, with the Gunners having the option to buy him at the end of the season. Having replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal's No1, it is now 'guaranteed' that Raya will sign permanently for £27m in 2024. (Fabrizio Romano)

Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri is on Chelsea's list of potential left back options. Mauricio Pochettino is keen on bringing in a left back after trying Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella in that position so far this season. (90min)

Manchester United have reportedly identified Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as their primary defensive target. Branthwaite has made a positive start to the season at Goodison Park and has caught the eye of the United hierarchy, although he has also been linked with Tottenham. (TEAMtalk)

Arsenal will reject any advances from Bayern Munich for Takehiro Tomiyasu. The versatile defender has been linked with a switch to Germany, but the Gunners want to keep him and tie him down to a new deal. (Evening Standard)

Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli are interested in signing Luka Modric and Casemiro. Negotiations are reportedly progressing well with Modric, and they are also trying to convince the United midfielder to join in January. (Rudy Galetti)

Barcelona are eyeing a move for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. The Catalan club are looking to bring in cover for the injured Gavi, and could turn to Lo Celso who has struggled for game time at Spurs this season. (Mundo Deportivo) 

Brentford are lining up a move for Real Betis winger Assane Diao. The teenage winger already has four goals to his name this season for Betis, and made his Spain Under-21 debut last month. (Sky Sports) 

Wolves have joined the race to sign Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi. Brighton and Eintracht Frankfurt have also been linked with the 20-year-old Nigerian, who is valued at around £10m. (The Telegraph)