Manchester United are keeping watch on Como midfielder Nico Paz ahead of a potential move next summer, The Sun reports. The 22-year-old had attracted United's attention before he scored twice and supplied an assist against them in the UEFA Champions League last month. Mauricio Pochettino's arrival as manager could assist United's efforts to recruit his fellow Argentine.
Real Madrid could complicate that pursuit, however, as they hold an €80 million option to bring Paz back in 2027. United are also expected to support Pochettino with additions in January, according to The Telegraph, which reports that a defender and a striker are likely to be among the club's targets.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are exploring whether a deal for Barcelona's Jules Koundé could be possible in January, TEAMtalk reports. The 28-year-old is being considered as a potential successor to Malo Gusto. Barcelona are willing to consider selling the defender to help finance their own transfer plans. Although clubs in Saudi Arabia are interested, Koundé reportedly favors staying in Europe, prioritizes the Premier League and finds the prospect of moving to London appealing.
Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch is attracting attention from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, according to Christian Falk. Liverpool scouts have recently observed the 20-year-old, with several other Premier League teams also following him. His versatility at center back and right back has helped him secure a place in Germany's squad, though Falk believes Jeltsch's preference for gradual development makes England an unlikely next destination.
Real Madrid, Brighton and Everton are tracking Atlético Mineiro center back Vitão, Sport reports. Brighton are expected to submit the first formal approach in January, with a proposed €14 million bid below the 18-year-old's €20 million release clause for foreign clubs. Atlético Mineiro have sought a contract extension that would raise the clause, but those discussions have stalled in recent weeks.
Bayer Leverkusen are holding advanced talks with Ibrahim Maza about extending his contract through 2031, according to Sky Germany. The proposed deal would have no release clause and would increase the attacking midfielder's gross annual pay from roughly €2.5 million to about €4 million, plus bonuses. The negotiations follow weeks of speculation linking him strongly with Paris Saint-Germain for January.
Two Brighton players also feature in TEAMtalk's reports. Bayern Munich and Leverkusen are interested in Brajan Gruda, the Germany international whose loan spell at RB Leipzig has produced seven goal involvements this season. Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Roma are monitoring Maxim De Cuyper, whom Brighton reportedly value at around €60 million and hope to keep in January.
In Italy, Napoli could turn to Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens if a wide player leaves in January, while Juventus have identified Gianluca Scamacca as a possible attacking addition, according to Tuttomercato. Separately, Football Insider reports that Leeds United are preparing a January move for Stuttgart midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, a longstanding target.
