Eddie Howe is reportedly open to holding discussions regarding the managerial position at Manchester United should the Old Trafford hierarchy decide to part ways with under-pressure manager Michael Carrick. Howe, who previously managed Newcastle United and remains out of work, would be interested in speaking with the club if a change in leadership occurs.
Alongside the managerial uncertainty, Manchester United are actively targeting alterations to their playing squad, setting their sights on Everton's 24-year-old England defender Jarrad Branthwaite as they seek to make significant changes to their defence. United are also battling Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool in monitoring 18-year-old Germany midfielder Lennart Karl from Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, United will not terminate the registration of 16-year-old academy forward JJ Gabriel, meaning he cannot depart until January while Barcelona and Paris St-Germain attempt to strike an agreement.
Elsewhere in the division, Crystal Palace could face a managerial vacancy if the Eagles opt to sack manager Pierre Sage. Former Watford, Burnley, Everton, and Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche is considered the frontrunner to take over at Selhurst Park, though former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, ex-Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, and former Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane may also be in contention.
The European transfer market features several other prospective moves, with Tottenham's 20-year-old Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall attracting interest from both Barcelona and Napoli. Barcelona are also linked with 27-year-old Brazilian defender Dodo—along with Italian sides AC Milan and Juventus—as he prepares to exit Fiorentina upon the expiration of his contract in the summer. Furthermore, Brighton and RB Leipzig are monitoring 19-year-old Germany Under-19s midfielder Adin Licina, who is currently on loan at Cremonese from Juventus.