25 Apr 2026 08:05 BST |
7 min read
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest news from the market, with an update on Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba, Rafael Leao’s situation, Chelsea’s next manager and Regis Le Bris’ future at Sunderland.
Rafael Leao: Are Man Utd and Barcelona really interested?
Romano addressed the situation of Rafael Leao, who was credibly linked with Manchester United in the Italian media and has also long been rumoured to be a target for Barcelona.
On the Portugal international winger, he told his YouTube channel:
“Many questions on the AC Milan winger because this could be one of the names of the summer transfer window. At the moment, let me clarify one thing. It has not been an easy season for Leao, especially in the second half of the season, but AC Milan are not actively looking to sell him. So he is not a player completely out of the project.
“But in case of a good proposal for the player and for the club, there is a possibility of seeing Rafa Leao leave Milan in the summer transfer window. So yes, that remains a possibility.
“On Barcelona, many questions recently. But at the moment, apart from being a player appreciated by president Joan Laporta, Barcelona have not started concrete conversations or negotiations with Milan or with the player’s agents.
“Then many rumours from England about Premier League clubs. I can tell you that some Premier League clubs have made calls to understand the situation around Leao, how much he is worth, what Milan want, and what the salary situation is. From what I heard, two Premier League clubs have called to understand the situation. Again, no official proposals and no official negotiations yet, but calls have started.
“One year ago Bayern were interested, but at the moment Bayern have other priorities, especially other winger targets. So for now, the situation remains open around Europe, with some clubs starting to call for Rafa Leao.”
Will Sunderland sack Regis Le Bris?
Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent season, despite losing heavily to Nottingham Forest on Friday. It has been rumoured that manager Regis Le Bris could be sacked if he does not lead the club into Europe in what would widely be seen as a remarkably harsh decision.
Romano explained: “There were some rumours that Le Bris could lose his job if Sunderland do not qualify for European football. My understanding is that Sunderland want to continue with Le Bris, not depending on what happens at the end of the Premier League season, but simply because they want to keep him.
“So at the moment that is the feeling. We will see at the end of the season, but Sunderland have confirmed that they want to continue with Regis Le Bris.”
Carrick a ‘serious’ contender for permanent Man Utd job
Manchester United have yet to appoint a permanent manager, and Romano says that Michael Carrick, who has won eight of 12 games, is looking increasingly likely to get the job.
“The feeling internally at Manchester United is that they are very happy with him, very happy in recent weeks, even more than before,” Romano said.
“It started well, but in the recent weeks Carrick has serious chances to get the permanent job at Manchester United. They are very happy with the results, very happy with the tactical approach, very happy with the attitude, and very happy with the relationship too.
“That relationship is a very important point. The manager, the players, Carrick and the squad are in very good contact, including the leaders of the dressing room and the young players. So Carrick has good chances to continue as Manchester United head coach.
“Still, nothing is 100 percent decided, and nothing has been officially confirmed to him yet, so let’s wait a bit. But Carrick has real possibilities to continue.”
Luis Enrique close to PSG commitment
PSG head coach Luis Enrique would be Man Utd’s dream manager but the Spaniard is ready to commit himself to the Champions League winners.
“My understanding is that the agreement between Luis Enrique and Paris Saint-Germain over a new contract is getting very close. PSG have offered a new deal until June 2030 with a big increase in salary, and Luis Enrique is very open to continuing together,” Romano said.
“The feeling is that PSG and Luis Enrique will continue and will put pen to paper on a new contract. But at the moment, despite reports from France in the last few days, nothing has been signed yet.”
Next Chelsea manager latest
Chelsea have been linked with a string of different managers following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. Romano has dismissed claims that either Edin Terzic or Enzo Maresca could land the role.
“Terzic has a verbal agreement to become the next head coach of Athletic Club Bilbao. So he could be the new Bilbao coach,” Romano said.
“Some people linked Terzic with the Chelsea job, but my understanding is that this is not a possibility actively discussed right now. Chelsea also know about the verbal agreement between Terzic and Athletic Bilbao.
“Then many are still asking about Enzo Maresca. On Maresca, I maintain my position. He will not return to Chelsea, impossible. Maresca is the candidate Manchester City want to replace Pep Guardiola whenever Pep decides to go, this summer or next summer.
“Internally, City believe Maresca is the ideal future candidate. So I keep this name. I know there are other links and other managers mentioned, but my understanding is that Maresca could be the next Manchester City manager. Nothing signed, nothing completed, but he is the leading candidate.”
Man Utd’s Baleba interest confirmed
Manchester United are still tacking Carlos Baleba, with the Brighton man one the midfielders who is being examined with a summer move in mind.
Romano explained the situation:
“The Cameroon midfielder from Brighton was a top target for Manchester United last summer and remains one of the names under consideration for the midfield.
“Again, still nothing decided, still nothing advanced, but United are among the clubs deciding which two midfielders they want, because it is going to be two. Carlos Baleba remains on their shortlist.
“He was a target for Ruben Amorim and remains a target for the United scouting department. Then let’s see what happens with the permanent manager, with Carrick, with the club decisions, with the budget, and with what Brighton want to do. There are still several factors.
“But Baleba remains a name on Manchester United’s shortlist, and the verbal agreement from summer 2025 remains valid for summer 2026. So Baleba is still very keen on a Manchester United move. We will keep you updated.”
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