🚨 Carrick Returns to Old Trafford & The Battle for Marc Guehi Heats Up

Good morning and welcome to Thursday's Transfer News roundup! The January transfer window is absolutely firing on all cylinders, and yesterday brought us some genuinely jaw-dropping developments. From a stunning managerial appointment at Old Trafford to an all-out Premier League battle for one of England's most promising defenders, there's plenty to sink your teeth into today.

Let's jump straight into the biggest stories shaking up the football world right now.

In what can only be described as a seismic shift at Old Trafford, Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season. This stunning move comes after Ruben Amorim's brief tenure clearly didn't work out as the club had hoped.

Carrick, of course, is no stranger to the United dugout. He served as caretaker manager previously and has since been quietly building his managerial credentials at Middlesbrough. The club hierarchy clearly feel he's the man to steady the ship through what's become a turbulent season.

What does this mean for the squad? Well, early reports suggest Marcus Rashford could find a route back into the first team under this new regime. Interestingly, Barcelona are apparently keen for Rashford to remain at Old Trafford rather than push for a move, which speaks volumes about the complexity of his situation.

FPL Impact: Hold off on any Manchester United attacking assets for now. The managerial change creates uncertainty, though Rashford owners might want to monitor the situation closely. If Carrick reinstates him and he starts firing, his price (currently around £7.1m with low ownership) could represent value. Wait for press conference clarity before making any moves.

The transfer saga that's absolutely dominating headlines: Manchester City are preparing an offer for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, but they're facing serious competition as Arsenal have now joined the race for the England international's signature.

In a fascinating twist, Barcelona have cooled their interest in Guehi, effectively turning this into a Premier League showdown. Both City and Arsenal desperately need defensive reinforcement, and Guehi has emerged as the prime target for both clubs.

Why the fuss? Guehi has been exceptional for Palace this season, combining defensive solidity with ball-playing ability that's perfect for the modern game. At just 26 years old, he represents both immediate quality and long-term investment. Palace will demand a premium fee, likely in the £60-70m range, but both Manchester City and Arsenal have the financial muscle to make it happen.

FPL Impact: Guehi (£4.4m, 5.2% ownership) has been a solid budget defender this season with 76 points. If he moves to City or Arsenal, he instantly becomes more attractive given their superior defensive records and clean sheet potential. However, Palace's fixtures aren't terrible, so he remains usable where he is. Monitor this closely - a move to Arsenal or City would make him a must-consider at his price point.

City aren't stopping with Guehi. They're also making a move for Anderson, adding further depth to their squad as they look to reignite their title challenge.

On the outgoing front, Oscar Bobb looks set for Borussia Dortmund, with the German giants leading the race for the talented City youngster. Bobb has struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola, and a move to Dortmund could offer him the regular minutes he needs to develop.

Additionally, Nathan Ake has rejected a move to West Ham, choosing to stay at the Etihad and fight for his place. This is significant given City's defensive injury concerns this season.

FPL Impact: Ake (£5.0m, 4.1% ownership) staying at City is interesting. With defensive injuries mounting, he could see increased minutes. City defenders remain essential for FPL, though rotation is always a concern. If you're looking for a City defensive route, monitor team news carefully. Bobb's departure means nothing for FPL as he wasn't featuring anyway.

In what can only be described as ambitious thinking, Everton are reportedly eyeing Arsenal's Ben White. David Moyes clearly fancies strengthening his defence at Goodison Park, though whether Arsenal would even entertain selling one of their key players to a direct competitor is highly questionable.

White has been exceptional for Arsenal this season, providing both defensive stability and attacking threat from right-back. He's become integral to Mikel Arteta's system, making any potential departure seem highly unlikely mid-season.

FPL Impact: White (£6.3m, 16.8% ownership) is a premium FPL asset with 98 points this season. This transfer rumor shouldn't concern fantasy managers - he's going nowhere. If anything, it highlights his value. Arsenal's defence remains one of the best in the league, and White's attacking returns (2 goals, 4 assists) make him an excellent pick. Keep him in your squads with confidence.

Andoni Iraola is not messing about. Bournemouth are making ambitious moves with interest in two exciting prospects: Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson.

Nwaneri is one of Arsenal's brightest young talents, showing glimpses of brilliance in his limited opportunities. Johnson, meanwhile, has been electric for Forest this season, becoming one of the Championship's most consistent performers.

These would be statement signings for Bournemouth, showing real ambition from the south coast club to establish themselves in the upper half of the Premier League.

FPL Impact: Nwaneri isn't a factor for FPL yet, though one to watch for the future. Johnson (currently at Spurs, not Forest - if there's confusion in the market) would be interesting if he moved to Bournemouth. The Cherries are playing attractive football under Iraola, and their fixtures are mixed. Monitor these developments, but neither represents immediate FPL action.

Newcastle United are facing a battle for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, with West Ham entering the race. Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly keen to bring his former player to the London Stadium this January.

Strand Larsen has been impressive for Wolves this season, offering physicality, hold-up play, and an eye for goal. Both Newcastle and West Ham are looking to add striking options, making this a fascinating three-way tug-of-war.

FPL Impact: Strand Larsen (£5.5m, 2.1% ownership) has 52 points this season for Wolves - decent but not spectacular. A move to Newcastle or West Ham could change his prospects significantly. Newcastle's attack has been inconsistent, while West Ham desperately need striking reinforcement. At £5.5m, he could represent value if he moves and secures regular minutes at either club. One to monitor closely if you're looking for differential striker options.

Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, which would represent a serious statement signing if Enzo Maresca can pull it off. Tonali has looked sharp since returning from his suspension and would add genuine quality to Chelsea's midfield.

Meanwhile, both Chelsea and Leeds United are monitoring Manchester City's James McAtee. The talented midfielder has struggled for game time at City, and a loan move could provide him with the regular football he needs.

FPL Impact: Tonali (£5.9m, 2.7% ownership) has 49 points this season but is more of a defensive midfielder, limiting his FPL appeal. A move to Chelsea unlikely changes that significantly. McAtee isn't currently a factor for FPL and wouldn't be immediately relevant at Chelsea given their squad depth, though a Leeds move could be interesting if he becomes a regular starter in the Championship.

Real Madrid have joined the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, highlighting just how highly rated the young Englishman is across Europe. Wharton has been exceptional for Palace, combining technical ability with tactical intelligence beyond his years.

Brazilian winger Rodrygo apparently wants a Real Madrid exit, which could open up possibilities for cash-rich Premier League clubs. The 25-year-old has been linked with various English sides over the years.

Liverpool are set to sign Colombian defender Juan Ordonez, continuing Arne Slot's squad rebuild at Anfield. The young defender represents another smart piece of business from Liverpool's recruitment team.

Fulham are pursuing forty million pound rated striker Ricardo Pepi, with Marco Silva clearly looking to add firepower to his attacking options. The American international has been in excellent form.

Manchester United are considering a move for former academy player James Garner, which would make for a nice homecoming story. Garner has impressed at Everton and could provide the midfield quality United desperately need.

Saudi Pro League clubs are targeting Newcastle's Joelinton, though Eddie Howe will fight tooth and nail to keep the Brazilian midfielder, who has become absolutely crucial to Newcastle's system.

Spanish sides are battling for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, with two La Liga clubs interested in the Argentine defender who has been solid for the Cherries.

FPL Impact Roundup: Wharton (£4.7m, 2.8% ownership, 63 points) is an interesting budget midfielder if he stays at Palace, though a Real Madrid move would remove him from FPL. Rodrygo to the Premier League would be massive - monitor closely. Ordonez and Pepi aren't immediate FPL factors. Garner (£4.8m at Everton, 1.2% ownership) could become more interesting at United if he gets game time. Joelinton (£5.7m, 3.4% ownership, 68 points) is a solid mid-price midfielder - keep him if owned, as he's going nowhere. Senesi (£4.3m, 1.9% ownership) isn't essential for FPL.

FPL Impact: Gallagher (£5.3m at Chelsea, 3.9% ownership) moving to Spurs is huge. He's been underwhelming at Chelsea with just 47 points, but at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou's attacking system, he could become a genuine FPL asset. Spurs have excellent fixtures coming up, and Gallagher's energy and goal threat could see him become a popular pick at £5-6m. Monitor his early performances closely. Faes and Drameh aren't FPL relevant.

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That's your comprehensive roundup of Thursday's transfer action! The January window is delivering drama, intrigue, and plenty of potential FPL implications. Stay tuned as we continue to track all the major moves and keep you one step ahead in your fantasy leagues.

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Thanks for reading, and we'll catch you tomorrow with more transfer news and FPL insights!