The latest transfer headlines, including updates from Man Utd, Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest
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It’s time for 3 Added Minutes’ regular morning round-up, and this week begins with an update surrounding Manchester United, who enter the international break on a high after a satisfying 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
Ruben Amorim’s side kept a clean sheet for the first time this season as new goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced a man of the match performance between the posts. However, the Portuguese coach knows his team are still a long way from being the finished product and has plenty to do to assemble a team with the consistency to qualify for Europe.
Central midfield is a key area that Amorim wants to improve, and German outlet Sports Bild understands that Aleksandar Pavlovic has been earmarked as the man for the job.
The tough-tackling 21-year-old midfielder is currently playing for Bayern Munich and has been a first team player for the last three seasons. He’s a five-time German international with aspirations of playing at the World Cup, but has only started two league matches so far. Reports suggest United made an approach to the player over the summer, adding that the club are ‘very keen’ on revisiting this deal in January.
The 3AM verdict: Aleksandar Pavlovic is an outstanding talent with over 60 appearances for Bayern Munich, Champions League experience and excellent work rate. He’d be a certain upgrade on what United currently have at their disposal and has the traits required to play in Ruben Amorim’s system. However, it’s hard to see Bayern Munich wanting to sell the 21-year-old given how well he’s done for them in recent years and his potential to improve in the future.
Tottenham eye move for Maxence Lacroix
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a big-money winter move for impressive Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. The Frenchman only signed for the Eagles last summer but has already racked up 54 appearances and helped Oliver Glasner’s side to European qualification and a first major trophy.
He’s reported by TEAMtalk to be an alternative target to Marc Guehi, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid as he approaches the final few months of his contract.
The 3AM verdict: Having Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven available every week has transformed Tottenham and made them a much more cohesive unit. There’s questions from supporters whether Thomas Frank will shift towards a three-man-defence and there’s little doubt based on Maxence Lacroix’s performances he’d be a great signing. However, Palace only signed him in 2024 and won’t want to allow one of their star defenders to leave on the cheap, particularly if Marc Guehi also departs in the summer.
West Ham target Chris Wood
Incoming West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has reportedly set his sights on a reunion with Chris Wood in January, according to Give Me Sport. Wood was incredible under the Portuguese coach at the City Ground, scoring 20 times across all competitions and helping Forest to Europe for the first time in the 21st century.
The New Zealand international started brilliantly by scoring a brace against Brentford on matchday one, but has not scored since then and has been dropped on occasion by new boss Ange Postecoglou in the Europa League.
The 3AM verdict: Chris Wood has an excellent track record under Nuno Espirito Santo and would be a huge boost to West Ham’s attacking options in the short term. However, West Ham already have an ageing front line in Callum Wilson (33), and Niclas Füllkrug with similar attributes to Wood, who turns 34 in December. It likely depends on Wood’s relationship with Ange Postecoglou and whether he’s expected to continue being a big player for the club. But it’s not beyond the realms of possibility.