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Manchester United track exciting French stars Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite, Joshua Zirkzee decision made - Paper Round
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Updated 20/11/2025 at 08:45 GMT
Manchester United have been linked with Rennes’ young French stars Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite, but failed in a summer move for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, and are set to keep hold of striker Joshua Zirkzee at least until the 2026 summer transfer window. Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes could be set to stay at the club for the rest of the season.
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United keen on French duo
Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite are linked with a move to Manchester United, writes The Sun.
The two Rennes youngsters are being tracked by United scouts, and both have impressed as of late.
The paper states: "The Red Devils’ talent spotter was detected at Rennes’ 1-0 win at Paris FC on November 7 and gave up the identities of the players he had been sent to watch.
"Centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and striker Mohamed Kader Meite, who both played alongside Leny Yoro for France’s Under-21 side this week, were the targets for the trip.
"Jacquet, 20, is having a brilliant season and has not missed a single minute of playing time for the unglamorous French outfit.
"Kader Meite is just as exciting a prospect, although he is still a bit raw."
United rejected after Lavia interest
The Mirror reports that Manchester United were rebuffed after interest in Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia.
United were keen in the summer, but they were reportedly swiftly turned down by The Blues.
The paper writes: "Manchester United enquired about the availability of Romeo Lavia during the summer transfer window, but Chelsea chiefs never considered letting the 21-year-old midfielder go. The midfielder's future in west London was uncertain at the end of last season after he sustained an injury at the FIFA Club World Cup.
"The former Manchester City prospect, who was signed by The Blues from Southampton for ÂŁ53m in August 2023, had to sit out the rest of the tournament due to a muscle strain. Despite his injury woes, Lavia managed to start three of the opening four games in the United States.
"Until earlier this month, when Lavia suffered another injury, it seemed like he was living up to the expectations of the Club World Cup winners.
"Prior to picking up a muscle injury during Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League, the Belgian had made six appearances across all competitions. Lavia had impressed, playing a key role as The Blues secured victories against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur."
United set to keep Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee is unlikely to be let go by Manchester United this January, reports the Daily Express.
The Dutch forward may be needed because Bryan Mbeumo and others are set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The paper explains: "Manchester United are bracing themselves for a hectic January transfer window, but Benjamin Sesko's injury could throw a spanner in the works.
"The Red Devils have just over a month until they can dip into the market for fresh talent. Sesko was one of five new faces at Old Trafford in the summer, joining Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Senne Lammens and Diego Leon.
"This will leave United's forward line somewhat depleted, potentially leading to more opportunities for Zirkzee.
"Given these circumstances, it wouldn't be surprising if United were to prevent Zirkzee from leaving, even if he expressed a desire to do so and a suitable offer was on the table.
"It has even been suggested that United are prepared to block any potential exit for Zirkzee due to the lack of other senior forward options in light of Sesko's injury."
United to miss out on Gomes
After reports linking Manchester United to Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, it appears the midfielder may not move this January.
The Daily Star suggests that Wolves agreed with manager Rob Edwards to keep hold of their biggest stars.
The paper reports: "The Wolves midfielder has been tipped for a switch to Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim seeks to strengthen his midfield in the January transfer window.Â
"The Reds have reportedly been keeping a close eye on the Brazilian international over the past year and a half, and they may have to dig deep to secure his services.
"When Rob Edwards took over from Vitor Pereira in the hot seat, the top brass at Molineux agreed not to offload their star players in the next window to give Wolves the best shot at staying up."
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