Manchester United have now made contact with a January target who could become their record signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd talks to sign £100m star

INEOS weren’t shy when it came to backing Ruben Amorim in the summer and it seems as though they may show similar intent in the January transfer window.

The former Sporting Club boss has improved in the current campaign, but a new midfield problems has arrived and after INEOS rebuilt Man United’s attack in the summer, they must do the same for the heart of their side.

Those problems have especially been on show as of late with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo sidelined, forcing Lisandro Martinez to play out of position. As such, to no surprise, a number of potential targets have emerged.

That includes names like Ruben Neves, Conor Gallagher and even young star Christos Mouzakitis in what could be another impressive overhaul at Old Trafford.

Having his say on potential January arrivals recently, Amorim told reporters: “The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad.

“There’s a process, there’s an idea that is going to continue. We are near the places of the Champions League, but we are near also for like eight teams behind us so let’s focus on the next game. Just that. Our focus is to win the next game.”

Those “conversations” could include the topic of Carlos Baleba. According to transfer expert Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel on Saturday evening, Man United have now held talks with Baleba and his camp as they look to land a big-money deal this month.

£100m Baleba would transform Man Utd

As transformative signings go, Baleba would be right up there with the best that Man United could land. He’d instantly end Manuel Ugarte’s run in the side and hand Amorim a solution for his problems for years to come, given that he’s still just 22 years old.

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Speaking about Man United’s pursuit of the Brighton midfielder, Romano told his YouTube channel: “Man United remain in contact with the player. It’s not a secret since August, I’ve been telling you, that Carlos Baleba would love to move to Man United.

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“Man United are on it. Baleba remains one of the main names on their shortlist. But in terms of making a deal happen in the January transfer window, from Brighton the message is very clear – they want to keep hold of Baleba in January. So I think the only way to make a deal happen in January would be a very big, crazy proposal.”

Previous reports have claimed that Baleba could cost any potential suitor in January as much as £100m this month and that would break Man United’s transfer record – highlighting the lengths they’ll have to go to if they want to get their man.

An injury expert has now dropped a big Newcastle United claim on Allan Saint-Maximin before they face Brentford away from home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Missed West Ham…

As quoted by The Chronicle, Eddie Howe revealed that Saint-Maximin got a ‘kick on his calf’ against Aston Villa, which subsequently ruled him out of the 1-1 draw away to West Ham United over the weekend.

He has recently posted a video of him in training after missing the game, suggesting that he could now be available again to face the Bees on Saturday afternoon, in what is another crucial match in the battle to avoid relegation.

The Latest: Injury expert reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis, has now claimed that Saint-Maximin should be fit and available to play in West London after his latest injury setback:

“He took several whacks, which isn’t uncommon for Saint-Maximin.

“For the most part, he dusts himself down and gets on with it. His powers of recovery are great. Unfortunately, this time he didn’t recover as hoped.

“But I’m fairly confident we should see him back against Brentford this weekend. The fact it was just a knock, that’s huge for Newcastle.

“But Newcastle did show against West Ham that they aren’t a one-man team, in any case. On another day, they could have left with three points.

“But I fully expect him to be in and around that starting XI barring any setback on the training ground this week.”

The Verdict: Huge

As Dinnery claims, it is huge for the St. James’ Park faithful that Saint-Maximin only appears to have suffered a knock, and so should be ready to come back into the team on the weekend.

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There is no doubting his importance to the side, as he is their second-top scorer in the top flight so far this term with five goals, while his three assists are more than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Saint-Maximin also averages more shots and dribbles than any of his teammates, and the Magpies will certainly need their shooting boots if they are to take all three points away from their trip down south.

In other news, find out which six-foot-three ‘Hercules’ NUFC have sent scouts to watch here!

West Brom have been in horrendous form, picking up just one point from their last seven games, and new manager Steve Bruce will be hoping that he can capitalise on Hull City’s inconsistency to seal all three points when his side travel to Humberside this afternoon.

Despite the injury picture remaining mostly unchanged, with Daryl Dike, Matt Phillips and Kenneth Zohore all still unavailable for selection, the former Newcastle boss will be able to bring more experience back into the side, with Jake Livermore returning from suspension for the match against the Tigers.

With that in mind, here is how Football FanCast expect to see West Brom line up against Hull today…

We expect to see three changes to the team which lost 2-0 to Swansea City on Monday night, as Bruce has hinted at making a few changes in his pre-match press conference.

The first change we expect to see is the addition of Taylor Gardner-Hickman in the backline for his first starting appearance since the 61-year-old was appointed as Albion manager last month. The 20-year-old – who was hailed as “bright” by Chris Lepkowski – was handed a permanent contract by the club at the end of 2021 after impressing former Baggies manager Valerien Ismael.

If Bruce’s comments are anything to go by, the youngster will get his opportunity to impress once again today against Hull City, with the Albion boss telling the press on Friday: “Certainly, he will get his opportunity and he is right in my thoughts for tomorrow.”

The second change we predict is the return of Livermore in the starting XI, returning from suspension following a four-match ban due to receiving his second red card of the season.

The 32-year-old worked with his current manager, coincidentally at Hull, and it would be no surprise at all to see him instantly restored to the starting XI, with the ineffective Adam Reach axed to accommodate his return and Jayson Molumby moved over into the left central midfield position.

The third and final predicted change to the starting line-up is the return of Karlan Grant, replacing Grady Diangana in the forward line just behind Andy Carroll in an attempt to freshen up the attacking threat after the disappointing defeat at The Hawthorns earlier this week.

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Grant is currently the Baggies’ top scorer this season, with 10 goals in the current campaign, and he will be hoping that Bruce will give him the opportunity to start against Hull today to prove that he can get back to his goalscoring ways, having failed to find the net since West Brom’s last victory in January against Peterborough.

A win for the Baggies this afternoon is an absolute must, as they has now fallen to 13th in the Championship and are running out of time to gain a play-off place, and Bruce will be hoping to secure his first win at the club to take the pressure off amid some question marks over his appointment.

In other news: Steve Madeley has dropped a worrying update on this Baggies gem

Time is against Aaron Ramsey as he looks to make an impact at Rangers, journalist Chris Jack has warned.

The lowdown

The Wales midfielder is on loan from Serie A giants Juventus until the end of the season, having sealed a move on transfer deadline day in January.

Rangers’ former high-performance director Adam Owen heralded the signing as the club’s biggest since Paul Gascoigne in 1995, but just over a month into his stay at Ibrox, Ramsey has only played 94 minutes of football.

His only start has come against League Two side Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup, and he has missed out on the last three matchday squads with what has been described as a knock.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jack – a senior Rangers writer for The Herald and The Glasgow Times – expressed concern that Ramsey would not live up to expectations at Ibrox.

The journalist stated: “It’s safe to say he’s not impressed enough so far, and you look at how the season is shaping up, time is not on his side. There aren’t that many games left to get up to speed.”

The verdict

Is there still enough time for Ramsey to make an impact with the Light Blues? There are still 10 league games remaining, with Rangers and Celtic battling for the Premiership title.

In addition, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have reached the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and will bid to make it to the same stage of the Europa League by downing Red Star Belgrade over two legs later this month.

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The Gers are still fighting on three fronts, and if Ramsey can overcome his current knock, he can still play a part towards any possible success this season. However, based on his injury history, the concern is that he breaks down again within weeks of returning, but that was the chance the club took when they made their move for the £4.5m-rated Welshman.

In other news, Jordan Campbell criticised this recent decision from Van Bronckhorst 

As per chief sports writer Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo, an update has come to light on David Moyes’ summer transfer plans for West Ham United involving Marseille star Boubacar Kamara.

The Lowdown: West Ham target…

Reports in January claimed that Moyes and West Ham were in the running to sign Kamara in January, although a move ultimately failed to come to fruition.

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Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) namedropped the Hammers as contenders for Marseille’s versatile ace alongside Jose Mourinho’s Roma side.

While West Ham couldn’t seal the deal for Kamara, who is set to leave as a free agent later this year as things stand, it appears there has been an update.

The Latest: West Ham in agent talks…

According to chief sports writer Wilson, the Irons are one of three Premier League sides ‘involved in preliminary discussions’ with Kamara’a agents ahead of the summer.

West Ham are apparently joined by Newcastle and Crystal Palace as the English trio enter pre-summer talks to sign him.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt, Moyes could bypass that fee and sign Kamara for nothing, which is surely a no-brainer based off the player’s credentials.

Described as ‘out of the ordinary’ by Brazilian defender Rolando, who played alongside the 22-year-old at Marseille, Kamara’s versatility comes as a real incentive to move.

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Able to play as a centre-half, in front of the back four and even as a full-back (Transfermarkt), Moyes could discover his ultimate alternative to Declan Rice or Tomas Soucek whilst also signing back-up for the likes of Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna when the latter returns from injury.

In other news: ‘My understanding’…Moyes drops transfer bombshell at West Ham involving £37m star, find out more here.

Leeds United correspondent Adam Pope has provided a final update on the club’s appeal over Jean-Kevin Augustin.

The Lowdown: 48 minutes

The French forward arrived at Elland Road in January 2020 on a loan deal, which included an obligation to buy should the Whites earn promotion to the Premier League.

Augustin only played 48 minutes for Leeds, who eventually won the Championship after football stopped due to the pandemic.

Leeds are yet to pay RB Leipzig £18m for Augustin despite being ruled to by FIFA and have appealed the decision to The Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Latest: Hearing complete

CAS listened to both clubs in Switzerland on Tuesday, with Leipzig ‘very confident’ after the four-hour hearing.

Pope posted on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, revealing the hearing has been completed and a verdict is awaited, which could take up to two months.

“I understand that the CAS hearing is now complete and that a verdict is awaited. This can take anything up to a few months under the internal processes at CAS.”

The Verdict: Now we wait…

Considering Leeds earned promotion in July 2020, it may well be just shy of two years on until we learn a final decision on Augustin.

Sky Sports Germany have suggested that Leeds will need to pay a 5% interest on each of their three separate €7m payments should they lose, whereas Phil Hay has claimed there is scope for a further appeal in ‘very rare’ circumstances.

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It looks as if everyone associated with the club will need to sit tight for the time being, with Andrea Radrizzani potentially needing to write a hefty cheque for a player who didn’t even play an hour of football for the club.

In other news: Leeds forward has now suffered recurrence of foot injury as second scan confirms issue. 

The lure of playing under Steven Gerrard could help Aston Villa in their quest to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Ongoing Phillips speculation

The Whites colossus is constantly in the headlines of late, with his future at Elland Road seemingly up in the air.

With the Yorkshire club struggling to remain in the Premier League, it could be that Phillips eyes up a move elsewhere in the summer, with numerous clubs linked with the 26-year-old.

Aston Villa are one of those as Gerrard continues to make a name for himself as a manager.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Jones backs possible Phillips exit

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that the status of the legendary former Liverpool midfielder could play a key role in Phillips heading to Villa.

The transfer insider said: “It’s going to help them, and at this point in time, you could see why Kalvin Phillips might even consider that.”

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The Verdict: Understandable lure of Gerrard

Gerrard is arguably one of the best midfielders in Premier League history and any player in his position would surely want to learn for him in order to improve their game.

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For that reason, it is easy to see why Phillips’ head could be turned by a move to Villa, although it would still be a somewhat surprising decision considering that they likely won’t be in Europe next season.

The Leeds hero and reigning England men’s player of the year warrants playing for a Champions League club if he opts to leave Elland Road, whereas there is no guarantee that Villa will be infinitely more successful than the Whites in the coming years, should Jesse Marsch’s side stay up this season.

In other news, a pundit has made a worrying Leeds injury claim. Read more here.

Craig Hope has delivered an update on Newcastle United’s transfer pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman.

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, Hope said: “Sven Botman is interesting. They watched him when Lille played at Chelsea recently but there’s also now a suggestion they’re looking at other options. I’d say Diego Carlos is looking less likely given age & fee, it felt like one for January only.”

Better than Van Dijk?

Standing at 6 foot 5, Botman is a physically imposing defender, much like his Dutch compatriot Virgil van Dijk. Described as someone who is emerging as a “leader” by his boss at Lille, the centre-back has produced some superb performances this season for the French side.

Indeed, speaking on his podcast, Duncan Castles revealed that Botman’s teammate at Lille, Jose Fonte, had told him he rated him better than anyone else he has played alongside.

He said: “Fonte has played with an array of top-class centre-backs in his career including Virgil van Dijk, Toby Alderweireld, Pepe in the Portuguese national team and Gabriel last season who is now at Arsenal. From what I understand of Fonte’s impression of Botman, he thinks he’s the best of all of them.

“He describes him as a machine and a man who doesn’t make mistakes and also indicates that for a young player playing alongside an experienced professional, he’s very open to learning and taking instruction and improving his game.”

For Fonte to suggest Botman is better than even someone like Van Dijk, who of course is a Champions League and Premier League winner now at Liverpool, is certainly a massive statement to make, but one that makes the prospect of him joining Newcastle even more mouth-watering than it already is.

And when you compare some of the key defensive stats between the duo, there’s not a lot between them.

As per Sofascore, Botman wins 3.9 total duels per game at an impressive average of 67%, which only just falls shy of Van Dijk’s 4.4 and 72% respectively. The Lille man actually also makes more than double the amount of tackles as the Dutchman, while they both register 0.9 interceptions per match.

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In terms of bringing the ball out from the back, the pair average 0.2 dribbles per game although Botman has a perfect success rate of 100% – that’s not to mention he is incredibly similar when passing out too, boasting an 88% pass accuracy to Van Dijk’s 89%, and having the same percentage when it comes to successful long balls.

The 6 foot 5 defender could be a superb addition to this Newcastle side in the summer.

AND in other news – Sold for £36.9m, now worth £720k: Newcastle enjoyed a blinder with “unplayable” flop

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij for this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs target ex-Conte star…

The Lilywhites have been repeatedly linked with a move for de Vrij this summer as manager Antonio Conte reportedly earmarks the signing of a defender as a real Spurs transfer priority.

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Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici has been on the look-out for a central defensive option with the likes of Sven Botman and Alessandro Bastoni linked post-January, according to The Telegraph.

Since before the winter window though, Spurs have had de Vrij on their radar, with Football Insider claiming he is a ‘leading target’ for Conte.

The outlet claimed he was valued at around £40 million, but according to TMW, there has been a fresh update on de Vrij as his price now drops by over 50%.

The Latest: Tottenham want to back Conte…

According to their information, Tottenham want to back Conte with the signing of Inter’s colossal defender, as the Lilywhites ‘would like him in the squad for next season’.

They also claim the Nerazzurri will sell for around €20 million (£17m), less than half the price of his previously mooted £40m figure.

The Verdict: Get it done…

For just £17m, the signing of an accomplished Netherlands international and experienced figurehead of Conte’s 2020/2021 title-winning Inter side is surely a no-brainer.

His age (30) indicates he won’t be a long-term solution, but going by his quality, he could add some much-needed strength in depth alongside the likes of Cristian Romero and Eric Dier in Conte’s back-three.

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De Vrij was a mainstay for Inter’s Scudetto winners last season, playing the sixth-most Serie A minutes out of their entire squad whilst also averaging the highest number of clearances per 90 in that time (2.9, WhoScored).

Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, believes de Vrij would be an ‘unbelievable signing’ for Spurs and news they want to back Conte with his addition should come as much to the ears of Spurs supporters.

In other news: Conte now eyeing £25.2m-rated ‘game-changer’ who Spurs once agreed personal terms for…find out more here.

After three years of second-place finishes in the Premier League, there’s a real sense of optimism that this year could finally be the one Arsenal end their title drought.

The Gunners have now gone a remarkable two decades without a top-flight triumph, with Mikel Arteta the closest manager post Arsène Wenger to ending such a drought.

However, they have often fallen at the final hurdle, on two occasions to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, whilst doing so to Liverpool in the 2024/25 campaign.

At present, Arteta’s men currently sit two points clear of the former as the season approaches the midway point, with their destiny certainly in their own hands.

The Spaniard would certainly write himself in the club’s history should he achieve such a feat, but he certainly has many people to thank for the recent revival in North London.

How Arsenal have become title favourites in 2025/26

The two previous Premier League seasons have presented glaring areas of improvement for Arsenal – squad depth in various areas and a focal point to lead the frontline.

During the summer window, Sporting Director Andrea Berta worked tirelessly to try and solve both issues, seemingly doing so to great effect at present.

The hierarchy landed the defensive additions of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie, subsequently offering needed centre-back cover for William Saliba and Gabriel.

Arteta’s midfield department also received hefty back, as seen with the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard – subsequently allowing Mikel Merino to operate as a number nine.

The Spaniard has continued his fine goalscoring form into the current season, already scoring five times across all competitions – including two in the Champions League.

However, he’s often acted as a backup to Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish international taking the iconic number 14 shirt after his £65m switch from Sporting CP.

Whilst he’s only netted six goals to date, he’s shown glimpses of being the talisman the Gunners have been lacking, as seen with his double against Atletico Madrid.

The Arsenal star who must now be axed by Arteta

Such investment was desperately needed if Arsenal were to mount a serious push for the Premier League title this season, with Arteta being handed all the tools he needs to achieve such success.

The fans now have a squad they can be proud of in their attempts to end such a drought, whilst also having the depth many teams would crave to help them cross the line.

However, the backing from the hierarchy has certainly made competition for places even harder – something which certainly isn’t a bad problem for a manager to have.

In essence, it should hand the players the extra motivation to nail down their places in the starting eleven, which should make the side an even bigger force to be reckoned with.

However, it appears to have had the opposite effect on winger Gabriel Martinelli, with the Brazilian currently enduring a season to forget under Arteta at the Emirates.

He arrived in England as an unknown quantity to many supporters, with the hierarchy forking out a reported £6m for his signature from Brazilian side Ituano.

Despite originally being signed to join the youth team, the attacker fought his way into the manager’s plans, even becoming a first-team regular and scoring ten goals in his debut year.

As a result, former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp even dubbed the attacker as the “talent of the century”, but it’s safe to say he’s failed to hit the heights many expected.

In 2025, he’s now racked up just shy of 250 appearances for the Gunners, scoring on 43 occasions, but he’s often come under fire for his inconsistency in attacking areas.

Arteta has preferred the likes of Leandro Trossard ahead of him in the pecking order this campaign, as seen by the Brazilian’s measly tally of just five league starts.

His underlying stats in the Premier League this season highlight his lack of positive impact, with the manager desperately needing to axe him from his long-term plans.

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The 24-year-old has completed just 72% of the passes he’s attempted, which currently ranks him within the bottom 10% of all other attackers in England’s top-flight.

Gabriel Martinelli – PL stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

12

Games started

5

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

72%

Dribbles completed

33%

Chances created

0.6

Times dispossessed

1.4

Successful crosses

0.4

Stats via FotMob

He’s also completed just 33% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst also registering just 0.6 chances created per 90 – further highlighting his lack of creativity in attacking areas.

Martinelli’s struggles are summed up in his tally of times dispossessed by the opposition per 90, currently losing the ball 1.4 times per game, the second highest of any player in the squad.

There’s no doubt the Brazilian is a player who massively relies on confidence to succeed, but unfortunately, his impressive performances are too far and between at the Emirates.

He’s been unable to deliver on a consistent basis over the last couple of months, which no doubt has led to the attacker struggling to nail down a regular starting role.

As a result, Arteta must look to axe the 24-year-old from his first-team plans, with a new left side forward needed to help bolster the club’s title credentials.

Related Bad news for Nwaneri: Arsenal have already agreed to sign their next Dowman

Nwaneri could have some serious competition for game time at Arsenal in the future.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes