Manchester United have compiled a six-man shortlist of potential midfield signings, including Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, while Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade continues to harbour ambitions of joining Bayern Munich, who could also enter the race for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Manchester United are planning to recruit two new midfielders in 2026, with 21-year-old Brazil international Andrey Santos among their top targets. The shortlist also features Brighton’s 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba.
United forward Marcus Rashford, 27, is keen to extend his stay at Barcelona beyond his season-long loan. The Spanish giants hold an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade, 23, has reiterated his desire to play for Bayern Munich at some point in his career.
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, 25, is high on Bayern Munich’s list of defensive options, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, also 25, should Dayot Upamecano (26) decline a new deal or Kim Min-jae (28) be sold.
Everton are preparing an approach to re-sign Richarlison, with Tottenham open to offers for the 28-year-old Brazilian forward in the January window.
Joshua Zirkzee is expected to request a transfer from Manchester United in January, with West Ham currently leading the chase for the 24-year-old Dutch forward. Zirkzee prefers to remain in the Premier League as he seeks to secure a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
AC Milan, Aston Villa, and West Ham are monitoring Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 31, as the Croatian international considers his future.
Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, 33, could leave Barcelona in January, with several clubs having already made initial enquiries.
Chelsea are assessing goalkeeper options, with Ter Stegen a possible short-term loan target before pursuing AC Milan’s French keeper Mike Maignan, 30, on a free transfer next summer.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafael Benítez is set to return to management, with the Spaniard expected to be appointed by Greek side Panathinaikos.
