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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd AGREEMENT, Gallagher signing CLOSE, Raphinha exit TRUTH
Tom Weber
- Updated: 12 Jan 2026 17:59 GMT
- 5 min read
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Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Man Utd's managerial search, Conor Gallagher and Raphinha.
Carrick becomes new Man Utd interim boss
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Michael Carrick is set to be named Man Utd's new interim head coach.
"Michael Carrick is seen as the clear favourite to become the new caretaker manager at Man Utd. He's very keen on the role, and the expectation is for Man Utd to complete everything very soon. The conversation is proceeding.
"Obviously, there is the Manchester Derby this week, and Man Utd want to make sure everything is in place for the Derby. Darren Fletcher is completely out of the race after the defeat against Brighton. Man Utd were not happy with the performance, with the attitude.
"At the end of the day, Fletcher can't change everything in a few days, so it's not Fletcher's responsibility, but at the same time, he probably had a chance to prove his skills in order to stay at Man Utd until the end of the season, but then that game killed the hopes for Fletcher.
"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made himself available, and he's still hoping until the very end, but Carrick is the man who is now leading the race to become the new manager of Man Utd until the end of the season."
Gallagher set for Villa
Next up, Romano corroborated that Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is on his way to Aston Villa.
"Aston Villa are trying to make a deal happen. Aston Villa actually have a deal in place with Atletico Madrid. There is a club-to-club agreement - a loan with a buy option that might become an obligation to buy under certain conditions.
"Atletico have given the green light to Aston Villa. The club-to-club agreement is done. What now has to happen is the agreement between the player and the club. Don't forget that Aston Villa always wanted Gallagher. Unay Emery has always been a big fan of the player.
"When Chelsea were negotiating for Jhon Duran as a striker - it was years ago, not now - at that time, Villa wanted to include Gallagher in the deal, but it was not possible to proceed. Already at the time, Villa wanted Gallagher."
More Villa movement
Romano added that more movement is expected at Villa, with Tammy Abraham appreciated and Donyell Malen potentially departing for AS Roma.
"Villa are also in talks for Tammy Abraham. Abraham is a target for Aston Villa. He's a player they like, and eventually Donyell Malen could leave. Malen could be on his way out of Aston Villa in this January window.
"There were some calls from several clubs, but Roma now have a verbal agreement almost done with Aston Villa. Loan with a buy option. Roma are negotiating with the player. Let's see what Malen decides to do. There is a lot of movement around Malen.
"Villa are considering Abraham or other replacements because the striker market is starting to move."
Paqueta wants Flamengo return
Romano also spoke about the situation of wantaway West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
"Lucas Paqueta was about to become a new Aston Villa player in the final days of the summer transfer window. The deal was almost done for Paqueta to Villa. Then the stories shared made the deal collapse, and West Ham decided to keep the player at the club.
"Now, Paqueta has an agreement in principle with Flamengo. Flamengo have agreed terms with Paqueta. The contract is done. The contract is ready. Paqueta wants to go back to Brazil.
"It's a World Cup season, and he wants to go there and get to the World Cup in the best conditions possible. Now, it depends on the clubs because West Ham still hope to keep the player. Flamengo will try hard and will try to put important money on the table to sign Paqueta."
Raphinha stays at Barcelona
Lastly, Romano dismissed suggestions that Raphinha could leave Barcelona for Saudi Arabia.
"Raphinha is doing fantastic for Barcelona. Two goals, Man of the Match in the Super Cup final against Real Madrid. Raphinha, let me clarify this, never had any private or verbal or signed agreement with Barcelona to have a guaranteed exit to Saudi in 2026.
"That story is absolutely fake. Raphinha has not pre-agreed anything with any Saudi club. Raphinha is very happy at Barcelona. Raphinha is fully focused on Barcelona. Raphinha is not discussing anything with any other club.
"If you ask me if from Saudi they want Raphinha - who doesn't want Raphinha? He's one of the best players in the world in this moment, but nothing has been pre-agreed. That's complete fake news, and the full focus of Raphinha is to win trophies at Barcelona."
Football transfer news headlines today
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Man Utd shock as forward tipped for Real Madrid
DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today
Chelsea fan favourite 'on the verge' of joining Aston Villa - Fabrizio Romano
Marc Guehi: Crystal Palace star’s ‘likeliest’ destination revealed
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