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Manchester United linked with Carlos Baleba and Federico Valverde swoops in January - Paper Round
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Updated 22/09/2025 at 08:46 GMT+1
Manchester United’s continued problems in midfield has seen them linked with moves for both Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Real Madrid’s Uruguayan lynchpin Federico Valverde. Elsewhere, Harry Kane is thought to be ready to quit Bayern Munich before the end of his current contract, and Gary O’Neil is one of four names in the frame to replace Graham Potter at West Ham.
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Man Utd could make fresh Baleba move
Manchester United have been linked with a January move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United’s continued midfield struggles may see them back in the market this winter.
The paper claims: "Manchester United continue to be linked with an interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January transfer window.
"United made an approach to the Seagulls during the summer, but were told that it would be an expensive deal to do with Brighton looking for a fee similar to that they got for Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea in 2023 for a fee which could reach £115 million.
"Brighton's valuation in the summer meant United walked away. However, given their problems in midfield so far this season, it’s a deal they could possibly revisit in the future."
Red Devils keen on Valverde swap deal
Reports in Spain suggest Manchester United are interested in a part-exchange deal to land Real Madrid’s versatile Federico Valverde.
They could offer £44 million plus unsettled midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the hopes of landing the Uruguayan.
The Sun reports: "Manchester United are reportedly willing to include Kobbie Mainoo in a daring part-exchange deal to land Real Madrid's Federico Valverde.
"The Red Devils are said to have offered £44 million plus the 20-year-old English midfielder in an ambitious bid to secure the Uruguayan star.
"However, Real Madrid remain firm in their stance, viewing Valverde as a key figure in their long-term plans.
"Meanwhile, United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly questioned Mainoo’s role at Old Trafford.
"Spanish outlet Defensa Central claims Manchester United have tabled the bold offer in hopes of tempting Madrid into a deal."
Four names in running to replace Potter
Four managers are under consideration to replace Graham Potter a West Ham, according to The Mirror.
Nuno Espirito Santo leads the way, though Slaven Bilic, Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche are also contenders.
The paper writes: "Graham Potter is clinging to his job after coming under increasing pressure as West Ham manager. The Hammers hierarchy are seriously considering making a change with former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo the leading contender to take over.
"Ex-Irons chief Slaven Bilic, former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil and ex-Everton manager Sean Dyche have also been under consideration.
"Potter, 50, has struggled badly at West Ham after taking over last January and they find themselves second from bottom after just one win from their opening five games."
Honigstein expects Kane exit
German football journalist Raphael Honigstein believes Harry Kane could leave Bayern Munich ahead of his 2027 contract expiry.
The striker has been linked with a return to the Premier League ever since he left Tottenham.
The Express explains: "German football expert Raphael Honigstein has claimed Kane could head back to the Premier League in the coming years.
"‘It's no big secret that people in Germany don't expect Harry Kane to see out his career at Bayern," he told talkSPORT.
"‘I think Bayern are braced for the possibility that he will leave slightly earlier than his contract, which runs until 2027.
"‘One way or the other, he and the club need to take a view on this fairly soon. There is absolutely no chance that [Nicolas] Jackson (who joined Bayern in the summer) will displace Kane. He will have to play alongside him, ahead of him or give Kane a rest in a game or two.’"
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