Brighton make decision on Manchester United transfer target Carlos Baleba, Casemiro future at Old Trafford uncertain - Paper Round

Brighton have made a decision on their Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba, as Manchester United circle around the 22-year-old. Elsewhere in Monday's Paper Round, Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly losing the faith of the West Ham squad, while Crystal Palace have drawn up a "contingency list" to replace Oliver Glasner, and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has turned down a return to Ligue 1.

Baleba not for sale

Manchester United may have to turn their attention away from Carlos Baleba if they want to sign a midfielder in January.

The Daily Mail claims Brighton & Hove Albion have "no intention" of selling the Cameroon international to their Premier League rivals this window.

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Baleba is just one of several players linked with The Red Devils this month, while the futures of Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo remain uncertain.

"The midfielder is high on United's list who have been weighing up an approach, but Brighton insist they have had no formal contact and would not welcome any," writes the outlet.

"The 22-year-old is on international duty with Cameroon, and Brighton expect to keep him for the rest of the season at least.

"United want two midfielders but may have to wait until summer to get their targets. Galatasaray remain keen on Manuel Ugarte, while LA Galaxy want Casemiro and Napoli want Kobbie Mainoo this month."

Defiant Amorim comes out fighting: 'I am the manager, not the coach'

Video credit: SNTV

Nuno losing West Ham faith

The Guardian claims that Nuno Espirito Santo is at risk of losing the backing of West Ham United’s players amid growing concerns over his tactics and man-management.

Nuno apologised to the fans after an "embarrassing" 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, leaving them four points adrift of safety in the Premier League table.

"Nuno Espirito Santo is in danger of losing the support of West Ham’s squad because of concerns over his man-management and tactics," reads the report.

"The east London club are at increasing risk of relegation from the Premier League after their 3-0 defeat by Wolves on Saturday and it is understood that the mood at the London Stadium is rapidly deteriorating.

"The indications are that West Ham, who are in 18th place and lie four points below Forest, will stick with their manager but his methods are coming under increased scrutiny.

Nuno Espirito Santo, head coach of West Ham United, during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on January 03, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

"Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation have described Nuno as distant and uncommunicative on a day-to-day basis, while it is understood that there is frustration over confusing training methods and team selections.

"Morale is slipping and what is perceived as a lack of clear communication has left some players feeling that they have no way of forcing their way into the Portuguese’s plans.

"Some members of the squad feel alienated and it is understood that some key individuals believe they have been played out of position in certain games."

The report adds: "Sources claim that Nuno, who cut a dispirited figure on the touchline, said little to rouse his players when they found themselves 3-0 down at half-time.

"Multiple sources have said that Nuno, who was sacked by Forest in September, has barely spoken to some players since joining the club."

Palace draw up 'contingency plans' to replace Glasner

Crystal Palace have drawn up "contingency plans" in the event that Oliver Glasner leaves the club this summer.

The Austrian is out of contract at the end of the campaign and has yet to commit his future.

According to the Daily Mail, Glasner is admired by "top clubs in Europe" after guiding The Eagles to FA Cup success last term.

"Although he has insisted Palace’s hectic run has put talks over his future on hold, there are increasing noises this will be his last season at Selhurst Park," writes the outlet.

"Clubs who might be looking for a new manager sooner rather than later include Chelsea, Tottenham and perhaps even Manchester United, while Glasner has a glowing reputation on the continent from his days with Eintracht Frankfurt.

"Contingency plans are being drawn up, and names to have been thrown into the mix include Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez, Getafe boss Jose Bordalas and Wales head coach Craig Bellamy.

"Palace have not given up hope of keeping the Austrian, however, and they are set for a busy January to not only help boost their squad, but to appease Glasner and show they can match his ambition."

'This group of players didn't get the right support' - Glasner criticises Palace's transfer business

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ramos makes decision on future

Spain and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has turned down a move to Ligue 1 side Paris FC, according to a report in the Mirror.

The 39-year-old is a free agent after leaving Mexican side Monterrey and although a return to Europe is reportedly his preference, he is not interested in joining the newly promoted French side.

The article reads: "Ramos previously spent two years in the French capital with Paris Saint-Germain, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.

"Noisy neighbours Paris FC have been ambitious since coming up to the top flight, signing players including former PSG keeper Kevin Trapp and France international Jonathan Ikone, but it now looks unlikely Ramos' name will join the list.

"According to Foot Mercato (via GFFN), owners the Arnault family are keen on adding experience to the squad, with Ramos' name reportedly considered internally. However, the Spaniard is not believed to have any plans of joining the newly promoted side.

"Manchester United had also been linked with the 39-year-old, who was a four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. Those links were quickly played down, though, with ESPN reporting in December that he doesn't fit the age profile of the kind of player United want."

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