Manchester United transfer news as a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes and one of the top players in Serie A reportedly becomes available
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
18:00, 28 Jan 2026
There are question marks over Bruno Fernandes’s Manchester United future(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
Manchester United are riding high following impressive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. The team appears transformed under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has thrust himself into the running for the permanent position.
This is contingent on his side maintaining their recent form and securing a Champions League spot. Next on the agenda is Sunday’s home match against Fulham, who are also pursuing European football under the highly-regarded Marco Silva.
While the managerial situation has been eventful, January has been quiet in terms of transfers at Old Trafford. However, intense preparations are taking place behind the scenes in anticipation of a significant squad overhaul in the summer. Here’s the latest United transfer news from MEN Sport…
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Fernandes replacement named’
United would be reluctant to lose their captain, Bruno Fernandes. However, there are rumours that the Portuguese playmaker is growing weary of the constant changes at the club and may wish to leave in the summer.
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Replacing him would be no easy task, but according to former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer could be the one. Amid reports that he is unhappy at Chelsea – another club known for its frequent managerial changes – Palmer would reportedly consider moving to the club he supported as a child.
While it would require a substantial offer to prise him away from Stamford Bridge, Murphy believes it’s possible. He told BestBettingSites: “The way football works, if you’re a player of that quality and you’ve always had a love for a particular club, it’s not a huge stretch to imagine things lining up, especially if United were to go on a run.
Cole Palmer is being linked with a sensational move to United(Image: Getty Images)
“A lot of Chelsea fans think the club is more of a business than a football project, so could I see Cole Palmer leaving for Manchester United? Yes, I could. I wouldn’t want it to happen, but I could see it. Bruno Fernandes needs a successor.”
United given green light for £70m deal
United are on alert after reports emerged that AC Milan are willing to cash in on Brazilian star Rafael Leao this summer.
Despite Patrick Dorgu’s impressive recent performances since being deployed into a more advanced role, United are seeking to bolster their left-wing options, reports the Daily Mail.
Rafael Leao is one of the top stars of Serie A(Image: AC Milan via Getty Images)
Leao, 26, who has previously attracted interest from Arsenal, has been identified as a potential target with a price tag of approximately £70m, which would assist the San Siro outfit in their planned squad reconstruction.
Leao has certainly demonstrated his quality in Serie A with 78 goals and 65 assists across 278 appearances. His admirers include none other than Milan legend and former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has described him as “magic” and “one of the best players in the world”.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.