Manchester United are exploring options to reinforce both goalkeeping and midfield areas, with Mike Maignan and Carlos Baleba strongly linked. Despite recently securing Senne Lammens, reports indicate Erik ten Hag’s squad still lack a defined first-choice keeper.
The Sun writes: “Manchester United have prioritised a major goalkeeper signing next year. United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed last week that United do not have an outright No. 1 ‘keeper following the £18.2 million deadline-day signing of Senne Lammens. AC Milan custodian Mike Maignan is out of contract next year. United failed with a loan enquiry for Aston Villa goalie Emiliano Martinez, whose contract runs until 2029, in the summer. United also plan to heavily invest in at least one central midfielder. Brighton enforcer Carlos Baleba has been identified as a potential upgrade.”
Bilic wants West Ham return with familiar faces
West Ham review managerial options after poor start under Graham Potter, with Slaven Bilic keen on return. The Croatian coach has already mapped out his preferred backroom team if offered the role.
The Mirror reports: “Slaven Bilic wants to return to West Ham and lead the club to safety. The former Hammers boss is ready to embrace two club legends to help the club turn things around. Bilic is already on West Ham’s shortlist if they choose to replace under-pressure manager Graham Potter after a disastrous start to the season. Ex-Croatia boss Bilic is open to the chance to go back to his beloved Hammers where [he] is still hugely respected by the fans.”
Bilic intends to work closely with Mark Noble and bring in ex-defender James Collins to inspire the dressing room.
Other candidates in the mix for West Ham
While Bilic is one possible option, the Evening Standard reports that several other managers are also under consideration.
The paper states: “Pressure is building on Graham Potter at West Ham following their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. West Ham have lost four of their opening five Premier League games and Potter’s job is under increasing scrutiny. The club have already started the process of identifying potential replacements for Potter if he is sacked, with both long-term and short-term appointments being considered.”
Nuno Espirito Santo is thought to be the frontrunner, with Sean Dyche, Michael Carrick and Gary O’Neil also discussed.
Kane release clause offers Premier League return hope
German reports suggest Harry Kane has a release clause that could allow him to leave Bayern Munich next summer. The clause would reportedly enable the striker to move for £56.7m if declared early.
The Daily Mail explains: “Harry Kane could return to the Premier League this summer due to a reported release clause in his Bayern Munich contract. The England captain has less than two years left on his deal with Germany’s football leviathans after joining from his beloved Tottenham in 2023. Some believe that now he has won major silverware with Bayern, lifting last season’s Bundesliga title and this year’s Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, he should return to smash [Alan] Shearer’s record before it is too late. And there is a pathway home for the 32-year-old, according to German newspaper Bild. The outlet claims that Kane can leave Bayern for £56.7m this summer as long as he announces his intention to leave before the end of the winter transfer window.”
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