Manchester United's candidates to replace Michael Carrick

Manchester United are working through a packed shortlist of coaches in case they decide to cut ties with Michael Carrick. Antonio Conte, Unai Emery, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann stand out as the names most heavily discussed at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Arsenal are pushing for Atletico Madrid's Alex Baena and keeping close tabs on Monza forward Gustavo Varela.

• Jason Wilcox, United's technical director, favours Eddie Howe if the club sacks Michael Carrick.
• Julian Nagelsmann is on the radar and the German coach would welcome the chance to take over.
• Aston Villa boss Unai Emery also features among United's dream candidates.
• Talks have already started with Antonio Conte about a possible Premier League return.
• Fabian Hurzeler is not a real option: the Brighton boss would not be interested in the job.

Jason Wilcox sees Eddie Howe as a strong fit for United

Within Manchester United's football structure, Jason Wilcox has a clear favourite. The technical director would look kindly on the arrival of Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle United manager, should the club move on from Michael Carrick. Howe's Premier League experience and his ability to develop hungry squads fit the brief perfectly.

Howe left a strong legacy at Newcastle, where he restored European football and pushed the club towards silverware. Now out of work, he represents a serious candidate who would arrive without a transfer fee, a detail that always carries weight in operations of this size.

Julian Nagelsmann would welcome the Manchester United job

Julian Nagelsmann is another name firmly in the conversation. The German coach, with spells at Bayern Munich and with the Germany national team behind him, would be open to taking the Old Trafford hot seat. United, for their part, are considering him should the exit door open for Carrick.

Nagelsmann fits the attacking, tactically progressive vision that United fans have demanded for years. His youth and track record in European football make him an appealing option for a project in need of direction.

Unai Emery and Antonio Conte also feature on United's wishlist

Unai Emery, currently in charge of Aston Villa, has earned his place among Manchester United's ideal candidates. His work in Birmingham, keeping Villa in the European conversation, has caught the eye of decision-makers in Manchester.

At the same time, the club has opened talks with Antonio Conte. The Italian, formerly of Chelsea and Tottenham, would be willing to return to the Premier League. His winning mentality and immediate experience of English football are his biggest selling points, even if his methods demand full control of planning.

Fabian Hurzeler is not interested in leaving Brighton for United

Fabian Hurzeler's name has surfaced in recent days, but a move looks almost impossible. To prise the German away from Brighton, Manchester United would have to pay a world-record compensation fee.

And although money is rarely a roadblock for England's biggest clubs, an even bigger factor stands in the way: Hurzeler himself is not attracted by the job. His Brighton project is still building momentum, and he sees no reason to walk away from the south coast.

Arsenal target Alex Baena and Gustavo Varela for January

The winter market is stirring at Arsenal too. The London club are weighing up a move for Alex Baena, the Atletico Madrid winger and World Cup winner with Spain, during the January window. At 25, the wide man is regarded as a vital part of Atletico's plans.

Arsenal are also monitoring Gustavo Varela, a 21-year-old Monza striker. The young Portuguese forward is attracting interest from Napoli and Benfica, which points towards a bidding war. The Gunners want to add young, high-upside talent to their attack.

Bremer draws Bundesliga interest ahead of possible Juventus exit

While the Premier League shuffles its pieces, there is movement in Italy as well. Gleison Bremer, the Brazilian defender at Juventus, has emerged on Bayer Leverkusen's radar. The 29-year-old could leave Turin in the next winter window.

Leverkusen are looking for a commanding centre-back to tackle the second half of the season with confidence. Bremer, with experience in Italian football and European competition, matches the profile the German club wants.