🔥 Rashford's Route Back REVEALED + Mainoo Wants OUT of United

Welcome back to your daily transfer news briefing! Wednesday, January 7, 2026 brings us an absolute avalanche of transfer stories from across the Premier League and beyond. Today's edition is dominated by Manchester United's complex transfer situation, with multiple ins and outs brewing at Old Trafford. Let's break down everything you need to know.

The biggest story emerging from Old Trafford today concerns Marcus Rashford's potential pathway back into the Manchester United first team. After weeks on the periphery and intense speculation about his future at the club, sources suggest the England forward may have found a route back into the current setup.

What This Means: Just weeks ago, Rashford's United future looked uncertain at best. The fact that a pathway back has emerged suggests either a change in management's approach or Rashford's willingness to adapt to what's being asked of him. This is a developing situation that could have major implications for United's attack in the second half of the season.

In what can only be described as a genuine bombshell, reports indicate that Kobbie Mainoo actually wants to leave Manchester United. The young midfielder, who emerged as one of the brightest prospects from United's academy, is apparently seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere.

However, there's a crucial twist: United could block any potential move. This demonstrates just how highly the club rates the academy graduate, despite his apparent desire to leave. United clearly see Mainoo as a key part of their future, even if the player himself has doubts.

The Implications: A player who wants out but is blocked from leaving creates a delicate situation. United will need to either convince Mainoo of his future at Old Trafford or risk having an unhappy player in their squad. This is a situation to monitor closely over the coming weeks.

James Garner Return on the Cards

Manchester United are considering bringing back James Garner, the midfielder who departed for pastures new. Sometimes a return home makes perfect sense for both parties, especially when a player knows the system inside out. Garner could provide valuable midfield depth and Premier League experience.

Antoine Semenyo: The Complicated Pursuit

United are plotting a January move for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, but this one comes with complications. Semenyo himself apparently prefers a move to Liverpool if he's going anywhere, which must sting for the United hierarchy. To make matters more complex, five clubs are currently chasing Semenyo's signature, setting up what could become a fascinating bidding war.

The reality is stark: Liverpool clearly lead the race in the player's mind. United will need to work hard to convince Semenyo that Old Trafford is the right destination for his development.

Conor Gallagher Loan Deal

United are eyeing a loan deal for Conor Gallagher, which would represent an interesting short-term solution in midfield. Gallagher brings Premier League experience, energy, and technical quality that could help United through a crucial period of the season.

Joshua Zirkzee Roma Move Hits Deadlock

Joshua Zirkzee's potential move to Roma has hit a deadlock, leaving his immediate future unclear. United will need to resolve this situation one way or another as the transfer window progresses.

Sandro Tonali on the Radar

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Newcastle's Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder has experienced ups and downs since his Premier League arrival, but Chelsea clearly see qualities that would fit their system. Tonali's technical ability and experience in Serie A would bring a different dimension to Chelsea's midfield.

James McAtee Interest

Both Chelsea and Leeds are monitoring Manchester City's James McAtee. The young midfielder needs regular football to continue his development, and both clubs could offer him that crucial platform. Chelsea would provide Premier League football and European competition, while Leeds could guarantee more consistent minutes.

Arne Slot is set to sign defender Ordonez, bolstering his defensive options as the Reds continue to compete on multiple fronts. With Liverpool challenging for the Premier League title and progressing in cup competitions, defensive depth is crucial. Ordonez's arrival would provide valuable cover and competition for places.

Liverpool's interest in Antoine Semenyo (mentioned in the United section) also shows Slot's ambition to strengthen his attacking options, even while leading the title race.

Nathan Ake Rejects West Ham Move

Nathan Ake has rejected a move to West Ham, with the Dutch defender happy at the Etihad. This isn't surprising given City's continued success and the quality of football on offer under Pep Guardiola. Ake clearly sees his future remaining at the top level with Manchester City.

Marc Guehi: Summer Target or January Move?

Manchester City are planning to target Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi in the summer, though some reports suggest they could even move this month. Pep Guardiola clearly wants to strengthen his defensive options, particularly with the intense competition City face across all competitions.

A January move would be ambitious but not impossible if City feel their defensive depth needs immediate reinforcement. Palace will resist strongly, especially mid-season when finding a replacement would be extremely difficult.

Oscar Bobb to Borussia Dortmund?

Borussia Dortmund are leading the race for City's Oscar Bobb. This could be a smart move for the young Norwegian to secure regular game time in a top European league. Dortmund have an excellent track record of developing young talent, and Bobb would get the consistent minutes he needs at this stage of his career.

Marc Guehi Situation Update

Barcelona have cooled their interest in Marc Guehi, which might actually be good news for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who would prefer not to lose his defensive leader mid-season. However, with Manchester City now showing strong interest (see above), Palace aren't out of the woods yet.

Adam Wharton: Real Madrid Enter the Race

Real Madrid have joined the race for Adam Wharton, adding another layer of complexity to Palace's transfer situation. Glasner could face a serious battle to keep his midfield intact, with one of Europe's biggest clubs now circling.

The reality for Palace is stark: when Real Madrid come calling, very few players say no. If Madrid make a serious move, Palace will need to be prepared for a potentially difficult negotiation.

West Ham have been extremely busy in the transfer market, with multiple striker targets identified as they look to improve their attacking options.

It's crystal clear that West Ham want striking reinforcements, and they're pursuing multiple targets simultaneously to ensure they don't miss out. Manager Julen Lopetegui clearly feels additional firepower is essential for West Ham's ambitions this season.

Newcastle could lose Joelinton, with Saudi Pro League clubs targeting the Brazilian midfielder. Eddie Howe will be desperate to keep hold of him given his importance to Newcastle's system and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

The Saudi Pro League has the financial resources to make offers that are difficult for players to refuse, especially for someone of Joelinton's age and profile. Newcastle will need to work hard to convince him his future lies at St. James' Park.

Under manager Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth are eyeing a move for Johnson, looking to add more firepower to their attack. Bournemouth have been impressive this season, and Iraola clearly wants to maintain their momentum with quality additions.

Meanwhile, Marcos Senesi is attracting interest from La Liga, with two Spanish clubs battling for the defender's signature. Bournemouth will want to keep their defensive unit together if possible, but Spanish interest could turn the player's head.

Fulham want £40 million-rated striker Ricardo Pepi. Manager Marco Silva is clearly ambitious about pushing Fulham further up the Premier League table, and Pepi could be the striker to help them achieve that goal. The American international has been impressive, and at £40 million, would represent a significant investment in Fulham's attacking ambitions.

In what can only be described as a genuine shockwave through European football, Real Madrid's Rodrygo apparently wants to leave the Spanish giants. If he becomes available, expect an absolute feeding frenzy from Europe's elite clubs.

Rodrygo is exactly the type of player that every top club in Europe would love to have. His pace, technical ability, and experience winning at the highest level make him one of the most attractive attacking options on the market if Madrid are willing to sell.

Premier League clubs will undoubtedly be monitoring this situation very closely. If there's even a slight chance of signing Rodrygo, expect Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and possibly Chelsea to all express interest.

Leicester City have signed Jansson, adding defensive depth as they battle in the Championship. This represents shrewd business from Leicester as they look to strengthen their squad for the promotion push.

That wraps up today's comprehensive transfer news briefing. The January transfer window is absolutely heating up, with multiple storylines developing simultaneously across the Premier League and Europe.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for the latest updates as these stories continue to develop. We'll be tracking every twist and turn of the transfer window.