Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Southgate to Man Utd, Tonali’s future, Dembele contract talks

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 15 Jan 2026 06:56 GMT
  • 6 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Transfer news, Gareth Southgate, Sandro Tonali
© IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano provides the latest on Manchester United’s managerial search, Conor Gallagher’s move to Tottenham, Sandro Tonali’s future, Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele’s contract talks and Gareth Southgate’s links to Old Trafford.

Article continues under the video

Conor Gallagher to Tottenham and Atletico’s next move

Conor Gallagher has completed his move to Tottenham while Atletico Madrid look to reinvest the money they have received in a new signing.

“Official now, Conor Gallagher has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atletico Madrid, which is important for a midfielder who was available on the market,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“Aston Villa had a verbal agreement with Atletico but they could not agree terms with the player, and Gallagher decided to go to Tottenham. Spurs will pay €40 million to Atletico Madrid, so it is a very good signing for Tottenham.

“Atletico are also receiving €23 million from Atalanta for Giacomo Raspadori, so there is fresh money available thanks to the work of director Alemani, who has been selling players who were not crucial for Diego Simeone.

Current ETV
Player image Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher

M (CL), DM (C)

Tottenham logo

Tottenham

Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher

M (CL), DM (C)

Tottenham

Tottenham

€40.7M

ETV Range

€36.6M - €44.8M

“Now, the name to watch is Joao Gomes from Wolves. He has been on Manchester United’s list for a long time, but never in the top positions. Players like Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba are higher in their plans for 2026. Joao Gomes has always been one of the names on the list, but not top three.

“Atletico Madrid are now considering a move for Joao Gomes because they want a midfielder and they appreciate him a lot. They have a good relationship with his agent and there is movement around the player. Napoli are also interested for the summer, but nothing is agreed or advanced. Atletico want to try now if they can convince Wolves.

“Wolves are in a difficult position in the Premier League table, so it will not be easy, but there is clear movement around Joao Gomes and Atletico are pushing.”

Conor Gallagher, Tottenham
© Tottenham - Conor Gallagher, Tottenham

Sandro Tonali’s future

Reports in Italy have linked Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali with a move, but Romano insists January is not realistic.

“Tonali will not leave Newcastle in January,” Romano revealed. “Forget about that, it is impossible.

“From Italy there have been stories linking him with a return, especially to Juventus. Juve consider Tonali their dream signing for summer 2026. They already tried behind the scenes in 2025, but it was absolutely impossible with Newcastle. For 2026, Juventus will be there again.

“At the same time, people close to the player expect top Premier League clubs to arrive and show interest in the summer. It is going to be an interesting window.

“But everything depends on Newcastle. They will control the situation and they will control the price. We saw last summer how tough they were in negotiations with Liverpool for Alexander Isak. It will not be easy, but Juventus and top Premier League clubs will be there because Tonali is one of the best midfielders around.”

Current ETV
Player image Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle logo

Newcastle

Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

Newcastle

€65.3M

ETV Range

€58.7M - €71.8M

Bellingham clarification

Romano clears up speculation about Jude Bellingham’s relationship with Xabi Alonso.

“Jude Bellingham wanted to clarify, after rumours of a bad relationship with Xabi Alonso, that there is absolutely nothing negative between them,” Romano explained. “My understanding is that at no point did Jude Bellingham create problems or have any kind of conflict with Xabi Alonso.

“He felt there was too much in the media, so he wanted to go public and be strong about it. There was no issue, no argument, nothing negative, and that is important to make clear.”

Current ETV
Player image Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham

AM (C), M (CL)

Real Madrid logo

Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham

AM (C), M (CL)

Real Madrid

Real Madrid

€124.5M

ETV Range

€93.4M - €155.7M

Ousmane Dembele contract talks

PSG want to extend Ousmane Dembele’s contract, but talks are still at an early stage.

Romano said: “PSG believe he deserves it after a fantastic season and for being the face of this PSG squad.

“Many people are asking whether he has rejected offers or demanded specific figures, but at the moment he is not at that stage yet. My understanding is that conversations have started, but PSG are still to send their first official proposal.

“It is early, and I would not be dramatic about this situation. Both the club and the player deserve time and respect after winning everything in terms of team and individual awards.

“Negotiations are ongoing and will probably take time. For now, it is only verbal conversations, and we will see how things develop once a formal proposal arrives.”

Current ETV
Player image Ousmane Dembélé 
Ousmane Dembélé 

F (CR)

PSG logo

PSG

Ousmane Dembélé 
Ousmane Dembélé 

F (CR)

PSG

PSG

€97.8M

ETV Range

€88M - €107.6M

Gareth Southgate and Manchester United

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been linked with Manchester United, but Romano says he is not currently part of their concrete plans.

“Southgate’s name always comes up when there is a Manchester United managerial vacancy,” Romano said. “He has an excellent relationship with some people at Manchester United and with figures at INEOS.

“But my understanding is that if United really wanted Southgate now, they could have taken him. They did not proceed because, at this stage, they have different priorities in their process for appointing a new manager in the summer.

“For now, Michael Carrick is in charge and United will see how he performs. They will then start a proper process for a new permanent manager.

“At this moment, there is nothing concrete between Manchester United and Gareth Southgate.”

Gareth Southgate, England
© IMAGO - Gareth Southgate, England

Related stories:

Premier League January transfers 2026: All the Done Deals

Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd manager plan, Klopp to Real Madrid, Diomande latest

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.