Manchester United Face Lisandro Martínez Contract Call After Board Criticism

Manchester United face fresh uncertainty over Lisandro Martínez, whose contract is due to end this summer after he publicly criticised the club’s board. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich are assessing whether Florian Wirtz could be tempted back to Germany, while Liverpool have intensified their interest in Mexico’s Gilberto Mora.

Manchester United weighing Martínez decision

Martínez’s future at Old Trafford has become less certain amid doubts over a new deal for the 28-year-old central defender. United are considering changes across their back line, with both centre-back and left-back options under review.

The Argentina international had sought a switch to Atlético Madrid during the summer window, but United did not receive a proposal they considered suitable. His criticism of the club hierarchy has added another complication as the expiry of his existing agreement approaches.

United are also monitoring Newcastle United winger Bazoumana Toure. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is viewed by both United and Chelsea as a possible January alternative rather than a leading target, partly because of the timing of his recovery from injury.

Bayern track Wirtz as Liverpool pursue Mora

Bayern are following Wirtz’s position at Liverpool after a difficult start to life at Anfield for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder. The Germany international joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer but has yet to match the expectations that accompanied the move.

There is a feeling at Bayern that Wirtz could be receptive to another Bundesliga spell. Internal conversations are developing, although no formal approach has been made.

Liverpool have also renewed their work on a deal for Tijuana midfielder Mora. Having turned 18, the Mexico international is now eligible to move abroad without the FIFA restrictions that previously applied to his age group, potentially opening a route to a January transfer.

• Tijuana are seeking £30 million for Mora, a fee that would set a Liga MX record.
• Arsenal are serious rivals for his signature.
• Borussia Dortmund and Benfica have already spoken with the player’s representatives.
• Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.

Juventus consider Balogun and Sørloth for January

Juventus are examining AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun and Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth as they seek to add a No. 9. Luciano Spalletti is understood to admire both players.

Balogun could be available in January after a proposed summer move to Everton collapsed because of an issue surrounding his medical. The 25-year-old was subsequently omitted from Monaco’s Conference League squad.

Sørloth’s path could depend on Jonathan David’s loan move from Juventus to Atlético. That arrangement may create room for a switch involving the Norwegian forward in the opposite direction.

Roma, meanwhile, are preparing an attempt to bring Real Madrid striker Endrick to Italy in January, with AC Milan also looking at the 20-year-old.

European clubs monitor emerging targets

Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi has drawn attention from Arsenal, Atlético and Bayern. Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur have previously shown interest in the 22-year-old Germany Under-21 international, though Brugge had considered him unavailable for transfer.

Roma have already had a package of €30 million plus €5 million rejected for Tresoldi. Brugge are holding out for €60 million following the forward’s Champions League hat-trick against Internazionale earlier this week.

• Real Madrid have made an attractive offer to Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel, whose camp believe leaving the club is the correct course for the 16-year-old.
• Tottenham could explore a move for Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rüdiger.
• Brighton, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Brentford and Crystal Palace have registered interest in Atlético Nacional midfielder Juan Manuel Rengifo.
• Parma, Genoa and Monza have sought details on AC Milan’s Christian Comotto, with the 18-year-old midfielder potentially leaving in January for more playing time.
• Aston Villa forward Nicolas Jackson has encouraged Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara to join him in England as Chelsea pursue the midfielder.