Transfer news live: Man Utd may lose Fernandes, Spurs close on defender, Chelsea want Paqueta

Upon his appointment as interim manager, Michael Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.

“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.

“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.

“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”

Not exactly reliable sources but as a bit of fun, a couple of unreliable outlets in Spain are reporting Arsenal chasing Vinicius Jr.

The Real Madrid superstar has been unhappy at the Bernabeu, although the departure of Xabi Alonso may change things slightly, and Fichajes are reporting Arsenal’s interest, with Chelsea also said to be in the hunt.

Meanwhile, Defensa Central are going one step further and claiming the Gunners have offered winger Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal.

They say Martinelli has been offered around Europe as Arsenal look to raise funds to improve their attack and hope for a straight swap with Vini Jr because they value Martinelli at around £87m – similar to his Brazil team-mate.

Chelsea are keen to build their midfield around Real Madrid star Federcio Valverde and have submitted a €120m (£104m) bid.

That’s according to Fichajes, who claim new boss Liam Rosenior is a big fan of the Uruguayan.

Valverde is considered “indispensable” at Real Madrid but they will consider “unrealistic bids” which this alleged £104m offer may qualify as.

Jurgen Klopp is in the running to be the next Real Madrid manager, if they opt to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in the summer.

Xabi Alonso left the club yesterday after less than eight months in the role, with Arbeloa put in charge for the foreseeable future.

But according to Sky Germany, Klopp, who is currently working as the head of global soccer for Red Bull, would be interested in taking the reins at the Bernabeu despite his long-term contract in his current role.

Klopp left Liverpool in 2024, saying he was “running out of energy” after landing six trophies during his time at Anfield, before taking the Red Bull role in January last year.

West Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium after The Athletic claimed the Hammers had rejected a bid for the midfielder.

Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been sorted with Flamengo but Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will not countenance losing his playmaker as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

It comes after Paqueta reportedly asked to be left out of West Ham’s FA Cup tie with QPR last weekend to pursue a move away.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta reportedly wants out of the club with the current rumours suggesting his prefers to return home to Brazil for family reasons.

However, a switch to another club in Europe is being ruled out as the midfielder is only 28-years-old.

The Blues are said to be interested in Paqueta and will provide competition to Brazilian side Flamengo to sign him in this window.

It remains to be seen if West Ham will be open to selling their best player, especially as they’re attempting to avoid relegation to the Championship.

With the appointment of Michael Carrick as the head coach at Old Trafford comes a new era for Manchester United and one they may have to endure without their captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes.

The club are reportedly worried that the 31-year-old will depart for pastures new as he harbours a desire to compete for the biggest trophies something United, at present, cannot offer.

Fernandes has been a driving force for the club during their decline and the i Paper says Fernandes will look to leave to further his ambitions to win league titles.

The Portuguese had a offer from Saudi Arabia last summer and was convinced to remain at Old Trafford by departed manager Ruben Amorim while Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in him with that move more of a possibility.

Tottenham have announced that they have completed the deal to bring Conor Gallagher to the club “subject to international clearance”.

The deal is believed to be worth £34m, with the England international signing a a five-and-a-half-year deal.

Bayern Munich have entered the chase to sign Marc Guehi with Florian Pettenberg of Sky Germany reporting they have made phone calls over the past few days to try and convince him to sign in the summer, having previously met his agent.

Man City are desperate to sign the Crystal Palace centre-back during this transfer window, to ease their defensive injury crisis, and as we reported at the beginning of the week, they intend to overcome any obstacles to make that happen.

Price may prove the defining factor, with talkSPORT saying that City are preparing to make an offer for Guehi but are currently unlikely to meet Palace’s asking price of above £35m.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also targeting the England international upon the expiry of his contract in the summer and Guehi has been reported to prefer a move to one of those two clubs.

With Conor Gallagher coming through the door, it doesn’t seem like Spurs fans will need to wait much longer for their next signing.

Santos defender Souza is reportedly expected to undergo his Tottenham medical in London on Thursday ahead of a £13m move to the club, the details of which is being finalised.

The Brazilian will be brought in to provide cover and competition for Destiny Udogie.