Manchester United have been linked with a move for Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer, while the future of Joshua Zirkzee remains uncertain
COBHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Cole Palmer of Chelsea trains during a Chelsea FC Training Session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 20, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Cole Palmer has been linked with a move back north(Image: Jasper Wax, Getty Images)
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While there may not be a permanent manager in the Manchester United dugout, transfer speculation is bound to continue as long as the winter window remains open. Whether moves materialise this month under caretaker boss Michael Carrick or - more probably - when a permanent appointment is confirmed in the summer, the squad could be in line for more upheaval after last summer's outlay of more than £200million.
It has been a relatively quiet January thus far, aside from Carrick taking charge following Ruben Amorim's departure. There have been no new signings on the playing front, though there has been one departure, with youngster Sam Mather moving to Turkish outfit Kayserispor.
On the pitch, United are preparing to face Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday. They also host Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, just one day before the winter transfer window closes.
Even if United opt not to spend this month, there has been considerable speculation about potential summer activity. Here are our latest transfer lines.
Palmer told to move - but not yet
On Wednesday, reports surfaced suggesting Cole Palmer was homesick at Chelsea, with The Express talking up his suitability for United. Whilst it remains uncertain whether the two Premier League rivals could negotiate a summer deal, or whether they would even want to, former Blues star Marcel Desailly has seen reason for Palmer to move on from Stamford Bridge but doesn't think he should make the move immediately.
Former France star Desailly shared his thoughts with Card Player, saying: "I believe Palmer wants more stability and a system that's built for him, but he still needs to fully recover from his groin injury and get back to full fitness. His recent performances speak for themselves, so he needs to stay humble and come back into the team to help the club, regardless of whether he stays or goes."
Marcel Desailly speaking in 2026
Marcel Desailly has offered advice to Cole Palmer(Image: Getty Images)
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He added: "The question is whether he feel like Chelsea are going to win the Premier League in the next two seasons. If he doesn't, I'm sure he will ask for a transfer request to a club that will build a system around him. For now, however, he needs to hit his previous levels for Chelsea to help them and their new manager through this period."
Zirkzee situation developing
According to Sky in Italy, Roma are preparing a formal offer for out-of-favour United star Joshua Zirkzee. Reports suggest the Italian side had been holding off until Bryan Mbeumo returned from the Africa Cup of Nations to bump Zirkzee back down the pecking order before restarting discussions.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United on the pitch during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from the club(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
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Zirkzee is understood to be determined to prove himself at Old Trafford, though Roma stand ready to move should his position shift. The Netherlands international was absent from the weekend victory against Manchester City due to a minor knock, and has found consistent game time hard to come by this campaign.
The Dutchman remains highly rated in Italy following his impressive displays that helped Bologna secure Champions League qualification in 2024. His performances under Thiago Motta convinced United to invest heavily, though the forward has struggled to find consistent form since netting a debut winner against Fulham.
Juventus were also reportedly interested in the striker during Motta's tenure as their manager, but that speculation has since quietened. According to reports, Roma's preferred arrangement would be a loan deal with a conditional purchase option for the summer.