Howe open to Man Utd talks – Monday’s gossip

Eddie Howe would be interested in speaking to Manchester United if the club parts company with Michael Carrick, according to reports. The rumours come as United consider changes to their defence and several clubs track young players across Europe.

United are targeting Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 24, and will not end academy forward JJ Gabriel’s registration before January, despite interest from Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. Arsenal, Liverpool and United are monitoring Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl, 18. Elsewhere, Sean Dyche is reported to be the leading candidate for Crystal Palace if they dismiss Pierre Sage, while Lucas Bergvall, Dodo and Adin Licina are also linked with moves.