Manchester United target Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, Marcus Rashford may return from Barcelona loan – Paper Round
Manchester United may sign more than one player from their shortlist of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, while Barcelona may send Marcus Rashford back to Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Liverpool and Arsenal are linked with a January move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, and Darwin Nunez could leave the Saudi Pro League to sign for River Plate in 2026.
United may recruit more than one midfielder
The Athletic believes that Manchester United may not look to sign just one of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, and may instead sign two midfielders from their shortlist.
Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are far from certain to be at the club next season.
The website explains: “Manchester United’s pursuit of a new midfielder will be one of the key transfer stories in 2026.
“The centre of the park is an area United have strived to fix for years, and several players with the potential to provide the remedy could be available.
“Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are among the names being considered at Old Trafford, although each of their clubs will have something to say about any approach, as will other suitors.
“United being able to negotiate a fee in their capacity will depend on many factors, and how they work through those talks promises to be intriguing.
“Given Casemiro’s expected departure, the uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo, a lack of minutes for Manuel Ugarte, and the possibility of a further interest in Bruno Fernandes after Al Hilal’s approach in May, it may even be that United look to sign two midfielders next summer.”
Rashford could return to United
The Sun claims that Marcus Rashford is far from certain to remain at Barcelona, with his loan not guaranteed to be made permanent.
There is a £26 million option that Barcelona can exercise for the Manchester United man, but there is no certainty they will take it up, which would see him return to Old Trafford in the summer.
The paper states: “Marcus Rashford could find himself in a position where he still has to make a shock return to Manchester United in the summer.
“The forward completed a dream move to La Liga giants Barcelona during the transfer window.
“And the initial loan deal includes a £26 million option for him to become a permanent member of the Nou Camp squad.
“But Rashford’s future has already been thrown into doubt a matter of months after he walked away from Old Trafford.
“It is becoming increasingly likely that he will have to head back to Manchester United at the end of the season.”
Madrid set for January clear-out
Real Madrid may let a host of players leave in January, with Arsenal and Liverpool once again linked with Rodrygo.
The Mirror writes that Endrick, Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia and Gonzalo Garcia could also head for the exit door in the winter.
The paper reports: “Real Madrid are open to letting Rodrygo leave after previous interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
“However, the last few months may well make the Premier League pair less keen on a deal.
“Neither Arsenal nor Liverpool were willing to part with £77 million to land the Brazilian over the summer, instead pursuing different targets. Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze have settled in at the Emirates Stadium, giving Arsenal less reason to call for a renewed swoop, while Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak all joined Liverpool at a combined cost of around £300m.
“Rodrygo is one of several Madrid stars available in January. Endrick’s loan move to Lyon appears to be all but done, while Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia and Gonzalo Garcia could also leave either permanently or on loan.”
Nunez linked with River Plate move
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is already being linked with an exit from the Saudi Pro League, according to the Daily Star.
Reports in Argentina suggest that River Plate are interested in bringing the player back to South America from Al Hilal.
The paper writes: “The Uruguayan striker moved to Al Hilal over the summer following Liverpool’s Premier League triumph.
“Various reports indicate the 26-year-old is looking to leave the Saudi Pro League, despite finding the net four times in six outings as Al Hilal sit four points behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
“During Liverpool’s recent torrid run, social media rumours have surfaced suggesting The Reds are missing the striker as they navigate a tricky spell as Alexander Isak has struggled since his record-breaking move.
“Meanwhile, Argentinian outlet Ole has revealed South American giants River Plate have set aside money in their salary budget for Nunez ahead of the 2026 season.”
Listen to top Radio Stations in Abia State CLICK HERE
Support Afnews Independent Journalism
At Afnews, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and timely news coverage. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that you receive trustworthy information, unfiltered and unbiased. To maintain our independence and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the support of our readers.
If you value the work we do, please consider making a contribution. Your support enables us to keep bringing you the stories that matter.
Donate today and help us keep independent journalism alive. Thank you for your support!
