United linked with Maignan move
“United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed last week that United do not have an outright No. 1 ‘keeper following the £18.2 million deadline-day signing of Senne Lammens.
“AC Milan custodian Mike Maignan is out of contract next year and United recently dealt with his representatives as Bryan Mbeumo is among their clients.
“United failed with a loan enquiry for Aston Villa goalie Emiliano Martinez, whose contract runs until 2029, in the summer.
“United also plan to heavily invest in at least one central midfielder. Brighton enforcer Carlos Baleba has been identified as a potential upgrade.”
Bilic plans backroom staff
Slaven Bilic hopes to be appointed as the new manager of West Ham United amid Graham Potter’s struggles.
The Mirror reports that he has one name in mind to install alongside him, his former Hammers defender James Collins.
“Bilic is already on West Ham’s shortlist if they choose to replace under-pressure manager Graham Potter after a disastrous start to the season. Ex-Croatia boss Bilic is open to the chance to go back to his beloved Hammers where (he) is still hugely respected by the fans.
“And he would be open to taking the job on a caretaker basis if West Ham decide to make a change for the rest of the season. Bilic would also look to work with West Ham’s sporting director Mark Noble, who is known as Mr West Ham, and the pair know each other from working and playing together.
“Bilic would also look to bring ex-West Ham defender James Collins, another fans’ favourite, into his backroom staff to help change the mood.”
Bilic faces competition for West Ham job
While the Evening Standard acknowledges that Bilic is an option for West Ham, they discuss some other contenders.
Nuno Espirito Santo, Sean Dyche, Michael Carrick and Gary O’Neil are also reportedly in the frame to be appointed.
“West Ham have lost four of their opening five Premier League games and Potter’s job is under increasing scrutiny.
“The club have already started the process of identifying potential replacements for Potter if he is sacked, with both long-term and short-term appointments being considered.
“Nuno Espirito Santo is the favourite following a successful stint at Nottingham Forest.
“He left the City Ground on acrimonious terms but his time at Forest will be remembered fondly, having guided them to seventh place and European qualification last season.
“A short-term option which is unlikely to do much to quell supporter unrest, Slaven Bilic has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh in August 2024.
“Another former West Ham player, Gary O’Neil, has been out of work since he left Wolves last December.
“Michael Carrick, who came through West Ham’s academy, enjoyed plenty of plaudits for his work at Middlesbrough before his departure this summer.”
Kane has release clause at Bayern
Reports in Germany suggest that Harry Kane can activate a release clause at Bayern Munich for next summer.
The 32-year-old could leave for £56.7m if he gives notice of his intention to depart before the end of the winter transfer window.
“The England captain has less than two years left on his deal with Germany’s football leviathans after joining from his beloved Tottenham in 2023.
“Some believe that now he has won major silverware with Bayern, lifting last season’s Bundesliga title and this year’s Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, he should return to smash (Alan) Shearer’s record before it is too late. And there is a pathway home for the 32-year-old, according to German newspaper Bild.
“The outlet claims that Kane can leave Bayern for £56.7m this summer as long as he announces his intention to leave before the end of the winter transfer window.”
