Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has said he would be willing to discuss a role at Manchester United if the club decides to part company with current manager Michael Carrick. Howe, who is currently without a job, was quoted by Sky Sports as expressing openness to a conversation with the Old Trafford club should Carrick’s future become uncertain. The former Premier League coach, who led Newcastle to a top‑six finish in 2023‑24, has been a frequent target for clubs looking to rebuild after a change in management.
In parallel, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a defensive overhaul, with the club’s hierarchy targeting 24‑year‑old Everton and England full‑back Jarrad Branthwaite. Football Insider reports that United are keen to secure Branthwaite’s services as part of a broader plan to strengthen the back line. The move would add experience and pace to a squad that has struggled to find consistency in defence during the current campaign.
While United focus on Branthwaite, other Premier League clubs are also in the transfer market. Arsenal, Liverpool and United themselves are monitoring Bayern Munich’s 18‑year‑old midfielder Lennart Karl, who has attracted interest from several top clubs. Meanwhile, Brighton and RB Leipzig have shown interest in Juventus’ 19‑year‑old German midfielder Adin Licina, who is currently on loan at Cremonese. The young talent has also drawn attention from clubs in Italy and Spain.
On the coaching front, former Premier League managers Sean Dyche, Thomas Frank, Vitor Pereira and Robbie Keane are all being considered for the Crystal Palace job should the club decide to dismiss Pierre Sage. The Telegraph and Talksport have identified Dyche as the frontrunner, with the others also in the running. The potential reshuffle at Palace reflects a broader trend of clubs looking to revamp their managerial ranks after a season of underperformance.
In youth development news, Manchester United will not release academy forward JJ Gabriel, 16, until January, meaning the club will retain his registration despite interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain. Football Insider confirmed that Gabriel will remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season, limiting his availability to other clubs. The decision underscores United’s commitment to nurturing home‑grown talent while managing external interest.
Finally, Brazilian defender Dodo is set to leave Fiorentina when his contract expires in the summer, with AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona reportedly linked with the 27‑year‑old. The move would add experience to the defensive lines of the Italian giants, while also providing Dodo with a new challenge in a top European league. As the transfer window progresses, clubs across Europe will continue to monitor these developments and adjust their strategies accordingly.