Manchester United are looking to improve the attacking unit with the signing of Aleksandar Stankovic from Belgian club Club Brugge.
The 20-year-old has impressed with his quality and leadership in Belgium, and Manchester United have set their sights on signing him. It remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season. The 20-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he could develop into a player for Manchester United.
Club Brugge would certainly welcome interest from multiple clubs, creating a bidding war for his signature. It would allow them to recoup a significant amount of money for the youngster.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich has an attempted shot whilst under pressure from Aleksandar Stankovic of Club Brugge (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Manchester United need a quality replacement for Casemiro, and the Serbian could be ideal. He could anchor their midfield and help them control games better. Similarly, Tottenham need a player with his skill set. Joao Palhinha will leave the club at the end of the season, and they need to fill the void he leaves.
It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done. The 20-year-old will be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League. It would be a step up in his career, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.
Whichever club manages to get the deal done, could have a future star on their hands.
Marcus Rashford’s future appears to be moving decisively away from Old Trafford, with the England forward reportedly having no plans to return to Manchester United once his loan spell at Barcelona comes to an end this summer.
According to The Mirror, the 28-year-old has already made his intentions clear, prioritising stability and clarity over a reunion with his boyhood club.
Rashford joined Barcelona on loan in search of a reset after a turbulent period at Man United, where form, confidence, and scrutiny combined to stall his momentum.
While his time in Spain has been closely monitored, the move has given Rashford a fresh environment and renewed sense of purpose, something he is keen to preserve as he enters a crucial stage of his career.
Barcelona option and World Cup timing
Barcelona hold an option to make Rashford’s move permanent for a reported €30 million, a figure that reflects both his pedigree and the challenges United faced in maximising his value.
Rashford is understood to be eager for his future to be resolved swiftly, with the 2026 World Cup looming large in his planning.
Regular football, tactical clarity, and a settled club situation are viewed as essential if he is to remain a key part of England’s long-term plans.
Sources suggest Rashford has already communicated to Barcelona his desire to stay at Camp Nou beyond the current season.
While financial considerations remain central to any permanent deal, particularly given Barcelona’s well-documented constraints, the player’s stance is clear, a return to Man United is not his preferred option.
Man United position and Michael Carrick’s influence
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
At United, the door has not been fully closed from the club’s side.
Interim head coach Michael Carrick is believed to admire Rashford’s qualities and would attempt to convince the academy graduate to stay should he be appointed on a permanent basis.
Carrick’s relationship with Rashford and belief in his ability could yet have played a role in negotiations.
However, reports indicate Rashford is prepared to look elsewhere if Barcelona are unable to finalise an agreement.
Rather than returning to Old Trafford under uncertain circumstances, he would prefer to secure a fresh long-term project, whether in Spain or another major European league.
Speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo is beginning to gather momentum once again, with interest from both Europe and Major League Soccer reportedly intensifying ahead of the next transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, the 40-year-old forward’s situation at Al Nassr has sparked renewed debate over what could be the final major chapter of his illustrious career.
Ronaldo was notably absent from Al Nassr’s recent 1-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Riyadh, a decision that quickly attracted attention.
Sources cited by ESPN suggest the Portuguese icon has grown increasingly frustrated with how the league handled Karim Benzema’s high-profile move to Al Hilal, a transfer that has reportedly left Ronaldo feeling sidelined within the broader Saudi project.
Man United and MLS interested reignited
Ronaldo’s unease has inevitably triggered fresh interest abroad. Clubs across Europe are said to be closely monitoring his situation, with some reportedly willing to adapt their sporting plans to accommodate a player whose commercial and competitive impact remains significant, even at this stage of his career.
While few teams can realistically build around him tactically for the long term, his short-term influence, both on and off the pitch, continues to hold strong appeal.
In England, Manchester Evening News has reignited talk of a sensational return to Man United.
Although such a move would be complex and emotionally charged given his recent Old Trafford exit, the link shows how Ronaldo’s name still commands attention whenever uncertainty surrounds his future.
Across the Atlantic, MLS clubs are also believed to be exploring the feasibility of a move.
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Despite turning 40, Ronaldo continues to defy conventional expectations. His goal output in Saudi Arabia has remained strong, and his professionalism and physical conditioning are frequently cited as evidence that he can still contribute at a high level.
Man United may not consider a move for him since they are now focusing on younger players who can contribute to the team for years to come.
The Brazilian midfielder has been brilliant for the Red Devils this season.
Under new manager Michael Carrick, Casemiro has found his form once again and in the last three matches, his contribution has been important.
Man United will have to look for Casemiro’s replacement
The midfielder scored and assisted a goal in the 3-2 win against Fulham. While United are happy with him, they know he is leaving and they are currently working behind the scenes to identify his replacement.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson has been heavily linked with a move to United with Manchester City also expected to be a part of the race to sign him.
However, Merson has raised questions about Anderson and his ability to control the midfield.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said, as reported by United In Focus:
“I’m not sure, I like Elliot Anderson, but I’m not wow-factored over him.
“I like Elliot Anderson, but they’re fourth bottom of the league, fifth bottom of the league, Forest, so they’re not dominating all midfields, are they?
“And if you’re a midfield player, that’s where the engine is. Do you know what I mean? I don’t see him running the show in midfield at Nottingham Forest, and we’re talking about Man Utd.”
The transfer window is now closed, so we’ve rounded up every single done deal by all 20 Premier League clubs over the last month.
It wasn’t the most memorable January transfer window, but read on for every done deal as there were some major deals done by the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
For City, it was a pretty exciting window as Pep Guardiola moved to bring in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth after his terrific form there in the last year and a half or so.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi also made the move to the Etihad Stadium to fill the void left by the injured Josko Gvardiol, meaning that long-running saga came to an end a little earlier than expected, with his Crystal Palace contract only a few months away from expiring anyway.
For Arsenal, it was mostly a window of exits, as Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan, while Oleksandr Zinchenko left for a permanent move to Ajax.
Elsewhere, Conor Gallagher was a big name arrival back to the Premier League, with the former Chelsea midfielder leaving Atletico Madrid after a year and a half to join Tottenham.
Read on for our full list of done deals from this transfer window…
Arsenal
IN
None
OUT
Osman Kamara – Blackburn, undisclosed
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Ajax, undisclosed
Louie Copley – Crawley, loan
Ethan Nwaneri – Marseille, loan
Maldini Kacurri – Grimsby, loan
Aston Villa
Tammy Abraham in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
IN
Tammy Abraham – Besiktas, £18.2m
Alysson – Gremio, £10m
Brian Madjo – Metz, undisclosed
Leon Bailey – Roma, loan recall
Douglas Luiz – Juventus, loan
OUT
Louie Barry – Stockport, loan
Samuel Iling-Junior, Pisa, loan
Ben Broggio – Falkirk, loan
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba – West Brom, loan
Evann Guessand – Crystal Palace, loan
Aidan Borland – Swindon, loan
Sil Swinkels – Chesterfield, loan
Donyell Malen – Roma, loan with £21.6m obligation to buy
Tyrell Malacia’s transfer away from Manchester United has reportedly collapsed at the last minute after a dramatic intervention from Jason Wilcox.
The Red Devils left-back had been on his way to join an unspecified Turkish club, and was keen for the transfer to go through.
However, as reported below by Joost Blaauwhof on X, Wilcox called Malacia to cancel the deal late on, leaving the player frustrated as he wanted to leave…
NIEUWS: Bizarre deadlineday voor Tyrell Malacia. Linksback was onderweg naar Istanbul, toen Jason Wilcox (technisch directeur) hem tóch terugriep naar Manchester United. Beleidsmaker van gedachten veranderd, tot frustratie van Nederlander, die transfer wilde. Zo meer @VI_nl ?? pic.twitter.com/y115nzX7X7
Blaauwhof posted: “NEWS: Bizarre deadline day for Tyrell Malacia. The left-back was on his way to Istanbul when Jason Wilcox (technical director) suddenly called him back to Manchester United after all. Decision-maker changed his mind, to the frustration of the Dutchman, who wanted the transfer.”
Manchester United make surprise Tyrell Malacia transfer decision
Tyrell Malacia in action for Manchester United (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old has played only 48 games in four years with United, and 39 of those came in his first season.
Perhaps the recent injury to Patrick Dorgu means MUFC are keen to keep Malacia around for squad depth, but it’s still hard to imagine him getting much playing time between now and the end of the season.
The Netherlands international previously looked like a top talent at former club Feyenoord, but injuries have hampered his progress at United and his career seems to be in major disarray now.
Malacia would surely have benefited from being allowed to leave and start a new challenge elsewhere, but he’s been surprisingly called back now and he’ll most likely just spend the next few months warming the bench and enduring further damage to his career.
Liverpool have successfully fended off a dramatic late attempt from Manchester United to hijack the transfer of highly rated Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet, sealing what is increasingly viewed as one of the most strategic defensive signings of the window.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United made a last-ditch push in the final hours to tempt Jacquet away from Liverpool, but the move came too late.
By that stage, Liverpool already had a full agreement in place with both the player and Stade Rennais, leaving little room for disruption.
Why Liverpool won the battle for Jérémy Jacquet
Jacquet, 20, has been one of the most talked-about young defenders in Europe in recent weeks, with Chelsea also strongly linked amid their defensive injury concerns.
The French centre-back’s composure in possession, physical presence, and tactical maturity have led many scouts to tip him as a future world-class defender.
Sources close to the deal suggest the Reds outlined a clear pathway to first-team football, backed by a long-term sporting project that appealed strongly to Jacquet and his representatives.
United’s eleventh-hour approach is telling. Despite having several centre-back options in the squad, there is a growing sense inside Old Trafford that defensive depth remains an issue.
One factor believed to have influenced United’s interest is the uncertain future of Harry Maguire, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
With Maguire’s contract situation unresolved and potential exits being discussed internally, United appear to be scanning the market for younger, long-term solutions.
Liverpool’s early planning and decisive execution made the difference.
By the time Man United entered the race, Jérémy Jacquet’s future was already mapped out.
Manchester United’s long-term plans could depend on the future of Michael Carrick, with reports suggesting the interim boss is keen to bring Marcus Rashford back to Old Trafford should he be handed the role on a permanent basis.
According to The Telegraph, Carrick views Rashford as a central figure in his vision for the club and believes the forward can still play a decisive role at Man United, despite his ongoing loan spell with Barcelona.
Rashford, now 28, joined Barcelona on loan in search of a fresh start after a turbulent period at United marked by inconsistent form and intense scrutiny.
Marcus Rashford situation and Barcelona interest
While his time in Spain has offered moments of encouragement, the move has always been framed as a temporary solution rather than a definitive break.
Barcelona, however, are reportedly open to making the deal permanent. The Catalan giants are understood to have a €30 million option that would allow them to enter formal negotiations over a long-term transfer to Camp Nou.
Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints, that figure represents a calculated gamble rather than a straightforward commitment, particularly for a player on significant wages.
Barcelona admire Rashford’s versatility and experience at the highest level, any permanent move would depend on outgoing transfers and wage restructuring in the summer.
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Carrick’s stance suggests that there is belief inside United that Rashford’s best football may still lie ahead and that a change in tactical approach and man-management could unlock it.
As a former teammate, Carrick is well aware of Rashford’s strengths, particularly his pace, directness, and ability to influence big matches.
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ gesture following Raul Jimenez penalty caught the eyeing during the five goal thriller at Old Trafford.
United’s resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick continued in breathless fashion on Sunday, as a 94th-minute winner from Benjamin Sesko secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham.
The win marks Carrick’s third consecutive win since taking over as interim manager, propelling United back into the Premier League’s top four.
What Senne Lammens did right after Raul Jimenez scored
(Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
While the late goals provided the headlines, one of the afternoon’s most surreal moments occurred in the 85th minute.
After Harry Maguire was judged to have felled Raul Jimenez in the box, the Mexican striker stepped up and dispatched a clinical penalty into the top corner, cutting United’s lead to 2-1.
Rather than the usual scenes of frustration or gamesmanship, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was seen performing an act of pure sportsmanship.
As Jimenez turned to celebrate, Lammens calmly picked the ball out of the net and approached the Fulham forward.
According to BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball, the Belgian keeper “congratulated Raul Jimenez on the class of that penalty,” acknowledging the perfection of the strike even as it threatened his side’s lead.
Sesko scores in Fergie time to make it 3 wins out of 3 for Michael Carrick
The goodwill from Lammens was nearly overshadowed by a defensive collapse.
Just minutes after the penalty, Fulham substitute Kevin silenced the Stretford End with a stunning stoppage-time equaliser, curling a shot past Lammens to make it 2-2.
This is the second consecutive late winner from Man United, after Matheus Cunha scored a stunning winner against Arsenal last week.
The result maintains Carrick’s 100% record, following wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, and cements United’s position as the form team of early 2026.
Michael Carrick’s perfect start as interim manager
More than the wins, it is the performances and the fighting spirit that Carrick has instilled immediately that suggests that the old Man United DNA might just be back.
Manchester United have moved to calm growing speculation surrounding the future of their captain Bruno Fernandes, with head coach Michael Carrick confirming that any definitive decision will be taken at the end of the season rather than in the coming months.
As reported by The Mirror, Fernandes’ long-term position at Old Trafford has been the subject of increasing debate, fuelled by suggestions that Man United may need to place him among the club’s highest earners to secure his future.
Reports have claimed that a new deal worth around £400,000 per week could be required to persuade the Portugal international to commit his peak years to the club.
Carrick, however, was keen to strike a composed and reassuring tone when addressing the situation.
Man United are not concerned about Fernandes’ future
The United coach praised Fernandes’ influence both on and off the pitch, stressing that there are currently no concerns about the midfielder’s commitment or attitude.
Fernandes’ importance to Man United is difficult to overstate. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has been a central figure in the side’s attacking structure, regularly setting the tempo, creating chances, and shouldering leadership responsibility during challenging periods.
His role as captain has only amplified his influence, particularly in a squad still searching for consistency and a clear identity.
United’s handling of Fernandes’ contract will be closely watched. Allowing uncertainty to linger around such a key figure could risk unsettling both the dressing room and long-term planning.
By deferring discussions until the end of the campaign, United appear determined to keep distractions to a minimum and allow footballing matters to take the centre stage.
Manchester United are looking to improve their midfield unit with the signing of Joao Gomes from Wolves.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, they are prepared to make a late move for the 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder if the right opportunity presents itself. The player is reportedly keen on a move away from Molineux as well.
Joao Gomes could fancy a move
The opportunity to join Manchester United will be exciting for him, and it remains to be seen whether all parties can come to an agreement.
Wolves are fighting for survival in the Premier League. They are likely to go down at the end of the season, and they could lose multiple key players in the summer. Selling the Brazilian this month could fetch a substantial sum.
Manchester United are considering multiple midfield options, and it will be interesting to see whether they decide to wait until the summer transfer window. The report claims that they could decide to hold out on signing a midfielder this window and invest at the end of the season instead.
A move to Manchester United would be ideal for him as well, and he would help the Red Devils tighten up at the back and better control games in the middle of the park.
Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have recently scouted the player in action. It remains to be seen whether they decide to sign the player in the near future.
Man United & Spurs are scouting Aleksandar Stankovic
Speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Moretto said: “Many English clubs have gone to watch him and scout him live – Tottenham, Manchester United, lots of teams.”
“But Inter are continuing to follow Stankovic’s development, and they’re staying very calm. Why? Because they have the option to bring him back home either in summer 2026 (July 2026) by paying €23 million, or in July 2027 by paying €25 million. So basically, in the end, it’s all in Inter’s hands.”
The midfielder joined the Belgian club from Inter Milan, and he has done quite well for them. Meanwhile, Inter are keeping tabs on his progress and have an option to bring him back to the club. They could sign him for a fee of €23 million at the end of the season or for a fee of €25 million in the summer of 2027. That clearly gives the Italian club an advantage in the transfer race.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich has an attempted shot whilst under pressure from Aleksandar Stankovic of Club Brugge (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United or Tottenham follow up on their interest with an official proposal to complete the deal. The young midfielder can play as a defensive midfielder or a central defender. His versatility would be a huge bonus. Both clubs need more quality in the defensive midfield department, and the 20-year-old would be a long-term acquisition. They have the resources to pay more than Inter Milan, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
The midfielder could be attracted to playing in the Premier League, which is a huge global brand and which will attract hoards of fans looking into how to buy Tottenham vs Manchester City tickets and other big games this weekend.
It would be a huge step up for him, and he would get to play for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Manchester United need a long-term replacement for Casemiro, and signing Stanković makes a lot of sense. On the other hand, Tottenham will need to replace Yves Bissouma, who is expected to leave the club in the summer.
Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.
The 18-year-old Frenchman is highly rated across Europe and is expected to become a future star. Naturally, multiple clubs are interested in securing his signature.
Man United and Real Madrid eyeing Ayyoub Bouaddi
According to a report from Footmercato, Manchester United and Real Madrid are in the running to secure his signature. On the other hand, Arsenal have already made their move for the player. They have yet to submit a formal offer, but they seem to be the most serious contender in the race.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal follow up on their interest with an official proposal. They could use more control and creativity in the middle of the park, and Bouaddi would be an excellent long-term investment for them. He is a young player with great potential, and Arsenal could groom him into a future star. However, competition for his services is intense, and Arsenal will have to act quickly to complete the deal.
Ayyoub Bouaddi in action for Lille against Bologna (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The player recently extended his contract until 2029, and therefore, he is likely to cost a lot of money. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal are willing to pay a premium for him. They have shown that they are willing to invest in the right player, and there is no doubt that they have the finances as well.
The opportunity to join Arsenal could be exciting for the 18-year-old. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have a formidable team. He would be able to fight for trophies with them.
On the other hand, Manchester United need midfield depth as well. The 18-year-old could be an excellent acquisition for the Red Devils if they manage to get the deal done. However, they have not been able to fight for major trophies in recent seasons, and Arsenal could be a more attractive destination for the player.
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