Manchester United 'shortlist' £40m lethal striker as Newcastle battle Everton for tempting release clause gem

We’re somehow almost a quarter of the way through the 2026/27 Premier League season - it only feels like yesterday we were sitting bleary eyed watching the sun come up, as England sealed a historic World Cup last 16 win against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The new season in England’s top tier has seized the baton and ran with it, providing nine thrilling gameweeks so far.

Last weekend, we saw Arsenal bulldoze their way to the top of the Premier League table, after they capitalised on Manchester City’s 1-0 loss to Brighton and moved three points ahead of the Citizens with a hard fought 1-0 win at Liverpool. Meanwhile, Man United’s dire form in the league continued, as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.

There is at least some good news for United when it comes to Bruno Fernandes, with Talk Sport quashing rumours that the club talisman could be set to move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in January. They note that even if the Portuguese star does want to join them in the winter window, such a deal is highly unlikely because the club’s oversees player slots are already full.

Fernandes is still yet to sign a deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford, amid a turbulent few years that have seen chaos reign both on and off the field. The ex-Sporting CP prodigy’s current deal expires next summer, but United do have an option to extend his stay by an extra year due to a crucial clause in the player’s contract.

The 3AM Verdict: Fernandes has stuck by United during some truly dismal times, and racked up some highly impressive stats during this time. It’s fair to say that, if he wants it, he deserves a move away in the summer. We can’t see him leaving in January, but a summer exit from the perpetual circus tent is looking increasingly likely.

Premier League quartet scramble for release clause gem

Next up, it’s over to St. James’ Park, where Newcastle United are reeling from their latest defeat - a 1-0 home loss to Everton that saw them end their week with back-to-back defeats against the Toffees on home soil. They’ll be looking to remedy their struggles with some fresh signings in January, and Team Talk claim they’re keeping an eye on Celta Vigo defender Javi Rodriguez.

The story suggests that the Magpies aren’t alone in pursuing the 23-year-old central defender, with Fulham, Everton and Bournemouth all said to have made enquiries for the player along with Newcastle last summer. Rodriguez, who was capped by Spain earlier this year, has a £33m release clause which could spark a flurry of interest come January.

The 3AM Verdict: All the sides mentioned, bar Everton, could with tightening up at the back. And while the Toffees may be rock solid, they do need some fresh blood in an aging defence. PSG are also said to be in the mix, and if they decide to swoop in for the bargain Spaniard, then the Premier League teams mentioned don’t have a chance of competing.

Ivan Toney back on Man United’s radar

We’ll zip back over to Old Trafford for our last story of the day, amid news that United are once again looking to sign Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney. Football Insider say the Red Devils have gone so far as to have “shortlisted” the England international, with an eye to signing the lethal forward in the January transfer window to boost their options up top.

However, it’s suggested that United may have a task on their hands convincing Toney to join them. The 30-year-old is said to be settled in Saudi Arabia, and it’s noted that he managed to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad despite playing in a league ranked below the Cypriot and Moroccan top tiers by Opta.

The 3AM Verdict: We’d love to see Ivan Toney back in the Premier League. His goal record is superb, and his finishing is a joy to watch. He’d be a welcome shot in the arm for United, but whether they could match the wages he’s currently on, or indeed lure him away from a league where he’s thriving, seems like a tall order at the moment.

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