Manchester United could face a major decision over Bruno Fernandes in January, with Atlético Madrid reportedly stepping up their interest in the club captain amid growing uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.

Fernandes’ situation has changed dramatically in recent weeks. After publicly questioning Michael Carrick’s tactical approach following the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, the 32-year-old was left on the bench for United’s subsequent 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.

That has fuelled fresh speculation that his seven-year spell in Manchester could be approaching its final chapter.

Atlético Madrid are exploring January move

According to reports in Spain, Atlético Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany is exploring the possibility of bringing Fernandes to Spain in January.

The Spanish side have been monitoring him for some time, with Diego Simeone believed to admire the Portugal international’s creativity and leadership qualities.

Atlético had not submitted a formal offer, but United’s worsening situation has made Fernandes an increasingly interesting opportunity.

The Atlético interest is not new. As per recent Caught Offside report, Atlético Madrid were among several major European clubs tracking Fernandes, alongside AC Milan and Juventus.

United were still keen to extend his contract at that stage. However, the landscape has shifted.

January sale would still be a huge gamble from Man United

Selling Fernandes midway through the season would be extremely risky. Whatever the current tension, he remains United’s most productive creator.

Since Carrick first took charge in January, Fernandes has registered 14 assists and created 96 chances, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues during that period.

Atlético would suit him stylistically. Simeone values intensity, personality and players capable of deciding matches, while Fernandes could provide the creativity lost following Antoine Griezmann’s departure.

But United should avoid making an emotional decision based on a difficult few weeks.

If a new manager replaces Carrick, Fernandes’ relationship with the club could quickly improve.

Unless Atlético make an exceptional offer in January, triggering the contract extension and reassessing everything next summer looks far more sensible.

Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United’s top candidate to replace Michael Carrick

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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has reportedly held productive meeting with the club’s players and staff as he remains in the job for now.

The Red Devils take on Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, and it’s clear that Carrick urgently needs an improved performance from his team as the pressure grows after such a dire start to the season.

With just two wins out of twelve in all competitions so far, Man Utd can’t afford too many more slip-ups, and a strip to Stamford Bridge doesn’t seem like the ideal fixture for them now.

Still, according to the Athletic, Carrick spoke with his players and staff in an attempt to galvanise everyone, and it sounds like it went well, even if there are understandably huge challenges still ahead.

Can Michael Carrick hold on at Manchester United?

Carrick did superbly as United’s interim manager last season, helping the team finish third in the Premier League despite making a poor start under previous manager Ruben Amorim.

The 45-year-old has struggled since landing the job permanently, however, and perhaps his inexperience at this level is starting to show.

Although Carrick has long been rated highly for his coaching, his only previous management experience came in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

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Fabrizio Romano has reported on YouTube that some managers remain under consideration in case Carrick does end up leaving his role soon.

The Italian journalist states that Eddie Howe is a leading candidate, and he might be better-placed to guide MUFC through this difficult period.

Other experienced and proven winners like Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann, and Unai Emery could also be good options for United to consider.

The post Michael Carrick has held productive meeting with Man United players and staff appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United reportedly have three main candidates to replace Michael Carrick as manager, with Eddie Howe currently the number one choice.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, as he claims that Howe is the favourite, followed by Julian Nagelsmann and then Antonio Conte, in that precise order.

The Red Devils are yet to make a firm decision on what the best next step would be, but they’re sounding out managers as they ultimately look like giving Carrick a bit more time.

The English tactician is under growing pressure after an awful start to the season, with Man Utd winning just two out of twelve games so far, while they’ve just suffered painful back-to-back losses to Como and Bournemouth.

Still, it seems any United fans hoping for an imminent change will be disappointed.

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Fabrizio Romano’s update on the Manchester United manager saga

Discussing Carrick’s future and possible replacements, Romano said: “They (United) also had some conversations with agents, camps, representatives of other managers, because Manchester United had some conversation and that’s absolutely normal.

“I’m not accusing Man United of anything wrong. It’s normal when things are not going well you start preparing for a potential change. So Man United had conversations with agents of managers.

“I told you that the three names we should take in consideration as free managers are in this order – Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte.

“Three managers very different one from the other and also in terms of approach.

“United are yet to say ‘okay, let’s go for this coach.’ So the moment is still open but these are three names and obviously to talk with representatives, intermediaries or anyone close to these coaches is absolutely something normal in this situation in this position for Manchester United.

“Then obviously there could be other managers who can be very attractive but very difficult to get.”

Who would be the best choice for the United job?

There are no easy answers for United, and many fans will perhaps justifiably feel that changing the manager won’t change much, with the board and perhaps even the entire ownership needing to go.

Still, if MUFC want a more experienced and proven winner, then someone like Conte perhaps seems ideal.

At the same time, the Italian tactician brings other problems – more on that here.

Howe has shown what he can do in the Premier League, having arguably over-achieved during his time at Newcastle, so it’s perhaps easy to see why he’s high on the club’s list.

Others like Unai Emery and Cesc Fabregas also surely need to be under strong consideration.

The post Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United’s top candidate to replace Michael Carrick appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been handed a significant transfer setback, with Paris Saint-Germain making progress in talks over a new long-term contract for Désiré Doué.

The France international has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers and has attracted attention from several Premier League heavyweights.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both monitored his situation closely, but PSG are now moving decisively to remove any uncertainty over his future.

TEAMtalk says PSG talks are progressing

According to TEAMtalk, PSG are advancing negotiations with Doué over an extension beyond his current deal, which runs until 2029.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have all carried out checks on the 20-year-old, but each club has reportedly been given the same message: Doué is not looking to leave Paris and is willing to commit his long-term future to PSG.

That position has also been reinforced by CaughtOffside previously, which reports that Arsenal and Chelsea are facing disappointment because PSG are increasingly confident of tying the winger down.

Doué has become a central part of Luis Enrique’s preferred attack, and his versatility across both flanks and central areas makes him particularly attractive to elite clubs. TEAMtalk notes that Bayern Munich also continue to admire him after missing out on his signature in 2024.

Arsenal and Chelsea may need to move on

From Arsenal’s perspective, Doué would have been an ideal addition because he offers creativity, one-versus-one threat and the ability to operate across several attacking roles.

Chelsea’s interest makes similar sense. Xabi Alonso has a squad full of young talent, but Doué would provide another elite-level creator capable of playing between the lines or from wide areas.

The problem is that PSG simply do not need to sell.

Doué is already under contract until 2029, so an extension would give the French champions even more control. Any future approach from Arsenal or Chelsea would likely require an enormous fee, potentially well above €100million.

That changes the calculation completely.

Both clubs should continue monitoring him because situations can change quickly in football, but aggressively pursuing a player who clearly wants to stay in Paris would be poor use of time and resources.

For now, Doué looks more like a dream target than a realistic transfer opportunity.

Arsenal tracking 22-year-old attacking sensation who “lives 24/7 for football”

The post Just in: Arsenal face Chelsea competition but PSG make major contract move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are reportedly also interested in Bournemouth midfielder and Chelsea transfer target Alex Scott, but also have two alternatives in mind.

The Reds also hold an interest in Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Kone, according to Ben Jacobs, who has posted an update about the situation on X.

For now, it seems that Chelsea are leading the race for Scott, with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola perhaps set to miss out on a reunion with his former player.

Still, Camara and Kone are two other options on Liverpool’s agenda, even if a midfielder is seemingly not seen as an urgent priority right now anyway, according to Jacobs in the post below…

Chelsea increasingly confident of signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in January.

Scott is Chelsea’s top target after Enzo Fernandez’s left for Manchester City on deadline day over the summer.

Bournemouth want £100m+ and Xabi Alonso’s side are already in fresh talks… pic.twitter.com/bdFxNaXvAa

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 27, 2026

“Liverpool also hold an interest in Scott, but have less urgency to add a midfielder in January. Monaco’s Lamine Camara, who Chelsea failed to sign on deadline day, and Roma’s Manu Kone are two other targets,” Jacobs posted.

Who would be the best midfielder signing for Liverpool?

Liverpool fans will no doubt be keen to see new faces coming in this January, and even if midfield doesn’t need to be a top priority, there is arguably some room for improvement.

Scott has shown himself to be an elite talent at Bournemouth, and his knowledge of how to execute that role under Iraola could have made him a really useful addition to this LFC squad.

Still, Camara and Kone also look like quality players, so could be sensible signings who wouldn’t come with that Premier League premium that Scott would.

Liverpool already have a strong midfield at the moment, though there might soon be some need to replace Alexis Mac Allister, whose future has looked uncertain for some time.

There’s perhaps also a case to be made for at least bringing in someone to provide more competition for Ryan Gravenberch, who has mostly performed well for Liverpool, but who struggles with consistency.

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs after the Portuguese attacker’s excellent start to the 2026/27 season.

The 22-year-old struggled to make an impact during previous spells at Ajax and Wolves, but he has revitalised his career in Belgium.

Forbs’ explosive pace and improved end product have now attracted attention from Premier League clubs, with United and Spurs both assessing whether he could make the step back to English football.

Man United and Spurs are monitoring Forbs

According to ASRomaLive, Man United and Tottenham are among several clubs following Forbs ahead of January.

Roma are also interested in the winger, who is contracted to Club Brugge until 2029.

Forbs has registered three goals and eight assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season, including one goal and three assists in three Champions League matches.

His development has earned glowing praise from Club Brugge coach Ivan Leko. After Forbs starred with a goal and an assist against Lens, Leko said:

“He’s simply fantastic to have in the squad. He has so much pace, quality on the ball and is dangerous one-on-one.”

Both Premier League clubs have also been tracking other Club Brugge attackers.

United and Tottenham sent scouts to watch striker Nicolò Tresoldi, suggesting the Belgian club is already receiving significant attention from both recruitment departments.

Forbs offers high upside but comes with risk

For United, Forbs would add something their attack often lacks: genuine one-versus-one threat and the speed to stretch defensive lines.

Tottenham could make a similar argument, particularly in Roberto De Zerbi’s aggressive attacking system where wide players are expected to isolate defenders and create chances.

The attraction is also financial. Club Brugge bought Forbs from Ajax for roughly €6million, so even a significant profit could still leave him considerably cheaper than established Premier League alternatives.

However, his previous spell in England cannot simply be ignored. Forbs failed to register a goal or assist during his loan at Wolves, meaning both clubs would effectively be betting that his development in Belgium has permanently changed him.

The early evidence is encouraging.

If Forbs continues producing at his current rate in the Champions League, January could arrive with far more than United and Tottenham competing for his signature.

Why Man United have decided to continue with struggling Carrick for now

The post Man United and Spurs are closely monitoring ‘fantastic’ winger with eight assists in 12 games appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are reportedly increasingly confident of signing Bournemouth midfielder and Liverpool transfer target Alex Scott this January.

According to Ben Jacobs on X, the Blues are in fresh talks over signing the England international, and it looks like they’re in a strong position.

Simon Phillips recently reported that Chelsea and Scott had largely already agreed personal terms, and it seems things are heading in a positive direction in terms of the two clubs agreeing a deal.

See below as Jacobs claims Chelsea are confident and already in new talks over signing Scott, with Liverpool also keen but looking at alternatives…

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Chelsea increasingly confident of signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in January.

Scott is Chelsea’s top target after Enzo Fernandez’s left for Manchester City on deadline day over the summer.

Bournemouth want £100m+ and Xabi Alonso’s side are already in fresh talks… pic.twitter.com/bdFxNaXvAa

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 27, 2026

“Chelsea increasingly confident of signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in January,” Jacobs posted.

“Scott is Chelsea’s top target after Enzo Fernandez’s left for Manchester City on deadline day over the summer. Bournemouth want £100m+ and Xabi Alonso’s side are already in fresh talks having made multiple bids over the summer.

“Liverpool also hold an interest in Scott, but have less urgency to add a midfielder in January. Monaco’s Lamine Camara, who Chelsea failed to sign on deadline day, and Roma’s Manu Kone are two other targets.”

Chelsea could do with Alex Scott transfer boost

Adding a talent like Scott in the middle of the season could be a big boost for Chelsea after a mixed start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The 23-year-old looks like just the profile this CFC side are missing right now, with Enzo Fernandez’s departure proving a big blow, especially as it arrived so late in the summer that it didn’t allow much time to replace him.

Scott seems like just the player for the job, and his presence should give Xabi Alonso’s side more control over games, and another dimension in terms of his passing ability.

Chelsea have money to spend from Fernandez’s big sale to Manchester City, so that should likely mean that paying over £100m for Scott is not too big an ask.

It’s a blow for Bournemouth, though they’re previously recovered well from selling star names like Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez.

Find out more here about what Scott’s sale could mean for Eli Junior Kroupi’s future.

The post New talks held: Chelsea “increasingly confident” of winning race for £100m-plus transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool could face a fresh obstacle in their pursuit of Ismaïla Sarr, with Crystal Palace increasingly determined to keep the Senegal international beyond the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old wanted to move to Anfield during the summer and Liverpool saw a £50million offer rejected late in the window.

Palace are now trying to remove further uncertainty by opening talks over a new contract, although Sarr’s long-term future still appears far from completely settled.

Palace want to keep Liverpool target Sarr

According to Football Insider, Palace are reluctant to entertain January offers and have made positive progress in talks over improved terms.

Sarr is still under contract until 2029, so Palace are already in a strong negotiating position.

However, the proposed extension is designed to further protect his value and reaffirm his importance despite a slow start to the season.

The player’s Liverpool preference is significant. Football Insider reported that Sarr was disappointed when his summer move collapsed, while his representatives were unhappy Palace refused to sanction the transfer.

Any new Palace deal could potentially include a special mechanism allowing Liverpool to return in future, although that remains speculative rather than confirmed.

Liverpool were preparing to revisit the deal in January after missing out during the summer.

Reds should avoid overpaying in January

Sarr would give Liverpool qualities they still need.

He is quick, direct, comfortable on either flank and scored 21 goals in all competitions last season. His Premier League experience also means there would be very little adaptation risk.

The issue is price. Palace rejected £50m in the summer and are now working from an even stronger contractual position.

Unless a release clause or other favourable mechanism is included in his new deal, the Reds could easily be asked to pay well above market value. That would make a January move difficult to justify.

Sarr clearly wanted Anfield before, which gives Liverpool some leverage if the player still sees the move as his preferred next step. But the Reds should not allow that interest to turn into desperation.

If Palace remain unwilling to negotiate sensibly, Liverpool would be better served keeping Sarr on the shortlist while exploring younger wide options.

Mourinho gives Real Madrid green light to move for “unbelievable” Liverpool player

The post Liverpool transfer hopes complicated as Premier League club move to protect key star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal are continuing to monitor Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi as they assess possible attacking reinforcements ahead of 2027.

The 22-year-old has become one of the most talked-about young forwards in Europe after an explosive start to the season, and Arsenal are not alone in tracking him.

Barcelona explored a move during the summer, while several Premier League clubs have also sent scouts to watch his progress in Belgium.

Sky Germany confirms continued Tresoldi interest

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal remain seriously interested in Tresoldi and have been monitoring him since the summer.

A January move is currently considered unlikely, with the player’s camp viewing next summer as a more realistic moment for a transfer.

Tresoldi is under contract with Club Brugge until 2029, which gives the Belgian champions plenty of leverage.

His form explains the growing interest. Sky Germany reports that Tresoldi has scored nine goals in 13 appearances, including a Champions League hat-trick away to Inter Milan. He also scored four times in three matches for Germany Under-21s during the recent international break.

His numbers have improved even further since then.

Arsenal scouts watched him score another hat-trick against Sint-Truidense, taking him to 12 goals in 13 appearances. Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle were also represented.

Tresoldi has also received strong praise from those at Club Brugge. The club’s official website quoted staff praising his dedication, saying he “lives 24/7 for football” and highlighting his pressing, quality on the ball and “excellent nose for goals.”

Tresoldi could be a long-term option for Arsenal

The attraction for Arsenal is easy to understand.

Tresoldi is young, mobile, physically strong and already scoring consistently in both domestic and European competition. He would not necessarily arrive as an automatic starter, but that could actually suit Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal already have established attacking options, so they can afford to develop a younger striker rather than immediately spending more than £100million on a superstar.

The risk is waiting too long. Club Brugge have become extremely good at developing players and selling them at huge profits.

They want a club-record fee for Tresoldi and intend to reject January offers. If his scoring rate continues, his price will only rise.

For Arsenal, this could therefore become a question of timing rather than talent. Moving early may be expensive, but waiting another year could make him significantly harder to afford.

Arsenal and Man United weigh up move for €65m-rated wide man ahead of January window 

The post Arsenal tracking 22-year-old attacking sensation who “lives 24/7 for football” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool could face a serious battle to keep Alexis Mac Allister in 2027, with Real Madrid reportedly placing the Argentina midfielder high on their transfer shortlist.

The 27-year-old remains one of Liverpool’s most important players, but his contract situation has created an opening for outside interest.

Mac Allister is tied to Anfield until 2028, yet there are currently no concrete plans for an extension, and Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely.

Sky Germany reveals Mourinho admiration

According to Sky Germany, Real Madrid are seriously considering Mac Allister as part of a future midfield rebuild.

José Mourinho is reportedly a major admirer of the World Cup winner, particularly valuing his physical strength, intensity in duels and ability to bring control to midfield.

The same report notes that Liverpool currently have no concrete plans to extend Mac Allister’s contract, which naturally gives Madrid encouragement.

Mac Allister has publicly acknowledged the uncertainty, while stressing that he will continue giving everything for Liverpool regardless of the contract situation.

Mac Allister’s quality has never been in doubt. Conor Bradley previously said of him: “He’s just an unbelievable footballer.” Bradley added that Mac Allister is “so calm on the ball” and “a joy to play with.”

Mac Allister is facing contract issue at Liverpool

Liverpool should be more concerned about Mac Allister’s contract than Madrid’s interest itself.

He remains a perfect fit for Andoni Iraola’s midfield because he combines technical quality with aggression, intelligence and the ability to play multiple roles.

The problem is leverage. If Liverpool enter next summer without an extension agreed, Mac Allister will have only one year left on his contract.

That dramatically changes the balance in negotiations and could force the club to choose between selling at a strong price or risking his value dropping further.

Real Madrid’s interest is therefore understandable, but preventable.

Liverpool do not need to panic or accept offers. They simply need to decide whether Mac Allister is part of the long-term core.

If the answer is yes, extending his contract should become a priority before Madrid’s interest develops from monitoring into something much more serious.

Liverpool linked full back determined to stay and earn his place – and maybe win a title 

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