Manchester United and Chelsea Track Como Star Nico Paz

Manchester United and Chelsea are monitoring Como playmaker Nico Paz, while Barcelona have joined an elite group of clubs keeping watch on Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan. The two midfielders feature prominently in a developing transfer picture that also includes Liverpool’s recruitment plans, uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United future and a series of contract and loan decisions across Europe.

Paz and Sullivan draw major-club attention

• Manchester United are following Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz before next season, with Chelsea also interested in the 22-year-old Argentina international.
• Real Madrid retain an €80 million buy-back clause for Paz that can be activated in early July. Como, however, want to retain him after he scored twice and created another goal in their 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester United.
• Barcelona are tracking Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan alongside Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Sullivan has previously agreed a pre-contract arrangement to join Manchester City upon turning 18. Concern over potential financial sanctions involving City has encouraged rival clubs to assess the USMNT international’s situation.

Liverpool assess midfield and defensive options

Chelsea are maintaining interest in Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz after Xabi Alonso urged the club to remain alert should an exit from Anfield become possible. The 23-year-old Germany international remains a player Liverpool are determined to make work at the club.

Liverpool have also spoken with representatives of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, although a formal approach for the 26-year-old is not currently being prepared. Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott sit higher in Liverpool’s midfield priorities.

• Liverpool could activate their €55 million option to make Ronald Araújo’s move permanent if the on-loan defender maintains his current level of performance.
• RB Leipzig are set to trigger the obligatory clause in Brajan Gruda’s deal during the second half of the campaign.
• Leipzig also hold an option for Neil El Aynaoui, with the two potential transactions carrying a combined value of €50 million.

United face Fernandes question and possible managerial change

Galatasaray are no longer pursuing a move for Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. If the 32-year-old leaves Old Trafford, Saudi Arabia appears the likeliest destination, with Al Hilal continuing to monitor developments.

Fernandes has less than a year remaining on his deal, while discussions on an extension have yet to advance. His salary expectations are understood to limit the number of potential European suitors.

Manchester United are also considering possible alternatives should they decide to replace head coach Michael Carrick. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are regarded as leading candidates.

Further developments across the market

• Arsenal have renewed their interest in Atlético Madrid winger Álex Baena ahead of a possible January approach.
• Manchester United, Manchester City, Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Sunderland have all sent scouts to watch Twente’s 18-year-old defender Ruud Nijstad.
• Chelsea youngster Kendry Páez is prepared to pursue a January departure.
• Arda Güler has signed a Real Madrid extension running until June 2032.
• Napoli are considering Monaco midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly as a possible successor to André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, although his valuation could complicate any deal.
• Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio may be offered a route to Bologna after limited minutes during his Bournemouth loan.