Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd's Carrick agreement as assistant named, Real axe Alonso, Spurs' £35m hope, Arsenal latest

Manchester United are closing in on an interim boss after a week with Michael Carrick set to return whilst ex-Liverpool man Xabi Alonso has left Real Madrid and Tottenham pursue Conor Gallagher

This January the biggest changes have been happening in the dugout rather than on the pitch with Real Madrid the latest club to make a change - moving on Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard follows Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca in losing their jobs in 2026 with the ex-Liverpool player leaving after Real's Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona.

At Old Trafford, Michael Carrick is closing in on the interim role after getting the nod ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It is understood that some of the senior United players went to the hierarchy and made it clear they didn't have the confidence in the Norwegian to get them back on track.

Tottenham meanwhile are making moves to bring Conor Gallagher back to England as they negotiate a £35m deal with Atletico Madrid. Aston Villa were also keen but it appears the north Londoners have edged ahead in the race. Elsewhere in London, West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta has told the club he wants to leave the capital and return to his homeland.

Mirror Football will keep you across all the speculation, rumours and done deals.

09:59KEY EVENT

Man Utd announce No 2

The BBC is reporting that Steve Holland, the former England assistant who was Gareth Southgate's right-hand man, will be working as Michael Carrick's No 2 in Manchester.

It is also understood that Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans will be on the staff.

09:41Samuel Meade

Liverpool's next move

Liverpool's focus when it comes to recruitment is on the centre of their defence with several players reaching the end of their deals.

The most obvious of those is Ibrahima Konate, who is on track to exit due to his contract expiring. There has been no positive news yet on a new deal, reports the Athletic.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez currently have their contracts ending 12 months later, with a huge onus being put on that area of the squad.

09:17Samuel Meade

Carrick eyeing up Man Utd assistant

Michael Carrick is keen to bring in Jonathan Woodgate as part of his coaching staff at Man United ahead of his interim spell at Old Trafford - which is set to be announced.

Carrick has beaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the race to lead the Red Devils for the remainder of the season and is already thinking about who could assist him. Ex-Leeds player Woodgate is among those on his radar, having worked with him previously.

But whilst Carrick is eyeing a reunion Sky Sports reports that United may not agree to hiring him on a short-term contract with the club very much looking to get to the end of the year before making a more long-term plan. It is understood that talks will continue over the make-up of the backroom staff.

08:44Samuel Meade

West Ham will push back on Paqueta request

West Ham are determined to keep Lucas Paqueta at the club despite the midfielder's desire to move back to Brazil.

The former Lyon star is keen to head back home and Flamengo want to re-sign their former player this month. They are ready to table a £30m bid, but his sale could further anger the Hammers faithful, especially with the club in the midst of a relegation battle.

08:00Samuel Meade

Dembele says NO to PSG

Ousmane Dembele is set to turn down PSG's offer of a new contract - seeking a mammoth pay day.

The forward enjoyed a career high last year, winning both the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Best award after lifting the Champions League in May.

Now French outlet Footmercato report that Dembele is demanding DOUBLE what PSG have put on the table, which could lead to a drawn out contract saga.

07:26Samuel Meade

Newcastle confirm new deal

Newcastle have confirmed that Sven Botman has signed a new deal with the club until the summer of 2030.

He said: “I’m really happy to sign this contract. This club has given me so much in the last three-and-a-half years.

“I’ve grown as a person and as a player here and I feel like I have so much more to give in the long term. That’s why both parties are really happy with this decision and I’m looking forward to what’s coming in the future here.”

06:56Samuel Meade

Werner poised for MLS switch

Former Chelsea forward Timo Werner is close to joining MLS side San Jose Earthquakes.

The German will move to the USA on a permanent deal after being told he does not feature in the plans of RB Leipzig, which continues his demise in Europe, according to The Athletic

Werner has seen opportunities limited this season and the forward, who once had a number of top clubs in for him, is set to move to America.

06:28Matt Maltby

Tottenham leading race for Gallagher

Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher.

Mirror Football revealed yesterday that Spurs stepped up their pursuit for the former Chelsea midfielder despite strong interest from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

And the north Londoners are on the brink of agreeing a transfer worth around £34.7million, with Villa never striking a formal deal with the Spanish giants.

It's understood Atletico preferred to sell the 25-year-old permanently this month rather than a loan with a view or obligation to buy in the summer.

Gallagher has struggled for regular first-team action under Diego Simeone this season, making just four starts in the league, and he is now keen on a return to the Premier League.

06:28Samuel Meade

Alonso gone at Real

Real Madrid have removed Xabi Alonso from his role - just seven months after he became their head coach.

All has not been well during his tenure and, after the Spanish Super Cup loss, he's left his gig with Alvaro Arbeloa coming in to replace him.

Safe to say it has not gone well for one of Europe's most highly-rated young managers.

06:28Samuel Meade

Morning

We're back to bring you all the latest after yet more managerial changes late on Monday night!

Stay tuned as we bring you the fallout, the news, gossip and any done deals.