Friday's gossip: Man Utd contact Deschamps

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Manchester United have made contact with former France manager Didier Deschamps as uncertainty grows over Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford. The piece says there is still backing for Carrick inside the club, and that Sunday’s match against Aston Villa is being viewed as an important moment in the discussion about his role.

The roundup also includes several other transfer links involving Premier League clubs. Arsenal are said to be among the sides interested in Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi, a 22-year-old Germany Under-21 international, while Arsenal and Manchester United are also linked with Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are mentioned as tracking Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are reported to be stepping up their interest in Fenerbahce full-back Archie Brown, and goalkeeper Alisson is said to be attracting attention from Flamengo. Newcastle United are credited with an eye on Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney for a possible January move, while Tottenham reportedly retain a right to match any bid for Harry Kane under the terms of his Bayern Munich deal.

As with many gossip roundups, the BBC piece compiles claims from multiple outlets rather than presenting confirmed transfers. It reflects the wider January and longer-term market speculation around several leading English and European clubs.