Manchester United are reportedly pursuing a signing in a £40m transfer battle with Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham, while negotiations continue over another potential move
Amie Wilson and Neil Docking
07:57, 30 Jan 2026
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Michael Carrick wants to get Manchester United back to the top
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Michael Carrick wants to get Manchester United back to the top(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
There isn't much time left in the January transfer window as Manchester United gear up for the second half of the Premier League campaign.
It's been an encouraging fortnight for the club and squad following Michael Carrick's appointment as interim head coach through to the season's end. Since taking charge, United have collected six points from their two fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Attention now shifts to securing a third consecutive victory when United return to action on Sunday afternoon, hosting Fulham. That match takes place just over 24 hours before the January transfer window closes. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Nathaniel Brown in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
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Nathaniel Brown in action for Eintracht Frankfurt(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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United join £40m pursuit
United are reportedly among the contenders for Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown, reports the Mirror.
TEAMTalk report club scouts were present to observe the player during Wednesday evening's Champions League encounter against Tottenham, where Brown featured for 72 minutes.
The 22-year-old is tied to Frankfurt until 2030, but he's anticipated to depart the club this summer. He will reportedly command around the £40million mark should a club succeed in luring him away.
United aren't the only club pursuing the defender, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham all reportedly showing interest.
Transfer 'negotiations'
Joshua Zirkzee
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Joshua Zirkzee is being eyed by Juventus in the closing days of the January window(Image: Getty Images)
Talks are reportedly 'underway' for a potential deal that could see Joshua Zirkzee join Juventus before the window closes, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The striker, 24, has been continually linked with a departure from United during the January transfer period, with Roma frequently mentioned as potential suitors. Nevertheless, he has stayed at Old Trafford, with the managerial change affecting his circumstances.
It now appears he could be set for a move. Reports suggest the Dutchman is being considered by Juventus as a backup option to their primary target Youssef En-Nesyri.
Juve are growing impatient with their chase and may turn their attention to alternative targets. It's claimed "negotiations are underway" for Zirkzee, with United reportedly open to a loan arrangement without a purchase option or obligation.
Cole Palmer stance
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Cole Palmer has been on Manchester United's radar(Image: Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Daily Star Sport exclusively revealed that United bosses have reached a decision over Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer.
The boyhood Red Devils fan was said to be 'open' to the transfer. But Old Trafford chiefs know the England star is out of the club's price range - while an attacking midfielder is not on the club's list of immediate priorities.
United signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo last summer, and believe this is an area of the team which doesn't need attention, especially when securing captain Bruno Fernandes' future on an extended deal could prove very costly.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held talks with CEO Omar Berrada about potential targets, with the duo eyeing a world class defensive midfielder to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
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Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba are targets. And while Palmer is seen as a top class talent, he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
United would have to stump up in the region of £100m to land the 23-year-old, as well as offer him wages in the region of £250,000-a-week.