United eye Barrios and Fermín as midfield priority
Two names for the January window: Pablo Barrios at Atlético Madrid and Fermín López at Barcelona (3). Midfield reinforcement is the stated priority in United's January planning, with Bruno Fernandes at the centre of the conversation (3). No fees, no talks confirmed. Just names on the list.
Šeško out until January
Benjamin Šeško is out until January with a shin injury, and United have chosen rest over surgery (2). Michael Carrick gave no exact return date: "it will be for a longer period of time" (2). That is your striker gone for the winter. And he misses Stamford Bridge too (4).
Palmer back, Šeško and João Pedro out for Chelsea
Cole Palmer returns from suspension for Chelsea. João Pedro and Benjamin Šeško are both out for the 12:30 UK kick-off at Stamford Bridge (4). United go in 16th on 7 points from 8 games, with one point from their last five league matches (D L D L L). League form: Leeds United 1–1 United, United 0–3 Bournemouth. Europe has been worse: Atlético Madrid 2–0 United, Como 4–1 United.
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Leeds move to lock down Calvert-Lewin
Leeds United have opened talks to extend Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract after learning of United's interest (1). One striker option looks like it is being taken off the market before you can get to it. Carrick's attacking pool already reads Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and, from January, Šeško (1).
Aït-Nouri pushed at you, Bassey and Ramón on the list
Rayan Aït-Nouri is being offered to United as he looks for a quick January exit from Manchester City (3). Left-back cover, actively pitched. Further back, United are monitoring Fulham's Calvin Bassey for 2027 (3) and are one of several clubs around Como centre-back Jacobo Ramón, alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid (3).
Roma and Villa follow Chelsea
Chelsea away at 13:30 CET on Saturday is first. Then AS Roma at home in the Champions League on Tuesday November 3, and Aston Villa at home on Sunday November 8.
