Manchester United have established contact with former France coach Didier Deschamps amid growing uncertainty surrounding manager Michael Carrick's position. Although Carrick's future is in doubt, support remains within the Old Trafford hierarchy for the current boss. The club's upcoming Sunday fixture against Aston Villa is seen as a key contest for the manager.
Alongside questions in the dugout, Manchester United are actively monitoring Bournemouth's 27-year-old midfielder Marcus Tavernier, who is also being tracked by Arsenal. Arsenal are keeping an eye on other European talents as well, joining the hunt for Club Brugge forward and Germany Under-21 international Nicolo Tresoldi, 22. In defence, United are competing with Chelsea and Liverpool as all three Premier League clubs track 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany defender Nnamdi Collins.
Liverpool are poised to advance their interest in 24-year-old English full-back Archie Brown from Fenerbahce, while 34-year-old goalkeeper Alisson is attracting attention from Flamengo in his native Brazil. Meanwhile, Tottenham have maintained the option to match any bid lodged for 33-year-old England forward Harry Kane under his new agreement with Bayern Munich. Further forward options are being explored in the Premier League, with Newcastle United aiming to secure 30-year-old England striker Ivan Toney from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the January transfer window.
Continental teams are also preparing for upcoming squad changes. Chelsea's 22-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens is being evaluated by Roma as a mid-season option to bolster their lineup in January. In Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt are hopeful of re-signing 24-year-old French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo from Nottingham Forest. In Italy, AC Milan are engaged in contract extension discussions with 31-year-old France midfielder Adrien Rabiot as clubs look ahead to crucial decisions on and off the pitch.