According to The Sun, Manchester United are increasingly confident of securing a summer deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who has long been on their shortlist for midfield reinforcements.

Baleba recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco where he plays alongside current Red Devils star Bryan Mbeumo at international level.

The Daily Mail report that Manchester United are ‘considering’ a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.

The club are aiming to bring in another central defender for next season thanks to the expected departure of Harry Maguire.

The report claims that Murillo is open to leaving Nottingham Forest next summer despite signing a new, improved four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025.

With the appointment of Michael Carrick as the head coach at Old Trafford comes a new era for Manchester United and one they may have to endure without their captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes.

The club are reportedly worried that the 31-year-old will depart for pastures new as he harbours a desire to compete for the biggest trophies something United, at present, cannot offer.

Fernandes has been a driving force for the club during their decline and the i Paper says Fernandes will look to leave to further his ambitions to win league titles.

The Portuguese had a offer from Saudi Arabia last summer and was convinced to remain at Old Trafford by departed manager Ruben Amorim while Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in him with that move more of a possibility.

With Conor Gallagher coming through the door, it doesn’t seem like Spurs fans will need to wait much longer for their next signing.

Santos defender Souza reportedly underwent a Tottenham medical in London on Thursday ahead of a £13m move to the club, the details of which is being finalised.

The Brazilian will be brought in to provide cover and competition for Destiny Udogie.

The announcement could be confirmed at some point today should the paperwork and final details be swiftly completed.

Leeds have completed the signing of Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder from Argentina has been on loan at Chelsea from the Seagulls since September, but traveled to West Yorkshire on Thursday for talks with Leeds.

Buonanotte featured 35 times for Leicester during a loan spell last season.

West Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium after The Athletic claimed the Hammers had rejected a bid for the midfielder.

Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been sorted with Flamengo but Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will not countenance losing his playmaker as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

It comes after Paqueta reportedly asked to be left out of West Ham’s FA Cup tie with QPR last weekend to pursue a move away.

The Sun are reporting that Manchester United have blocked several approaches for Harry Maguire.

The inquiries are said to come from multiple Premier League clubs as well as Milan.

Maguire is out of contract in the summer and there is the possibility that the club could look to recoup some cash this money if interested parties are willing to pay.

However, in the same report The Sun say that new head coach Michael Carrick is adament that Maguire will remain at Old Trafford.

A deal has not been agreed but City are likely to finalise a £20m agreement for the centre-back, who has been withdrawn from the Palace squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.

Welcome to The Independent’s transfer blog.

We’ll go through the latest rumours and done deals throughout the day from Premier League transfers to loan options and more.

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