Liverpool target Semenyo to replace Isak, Man United face difficulties in Baleba deal.

Liverpool are considering backup options in attack amid concerns about striker Alexander Isak's injury, while Manchester United may have to turn to other targets after Brighton & Hove Albion took a firm stance on Carlos Baleba.

Liverpool are looking for new attacking options.

According to The Guardian, Liverpool could turn their attention to Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo if striker Alexander Isak, 26, is found to have a serious injury. The 25-year-old Ghanaian winger is reportedly preferring a move to Liverpool over Manchester City or Man United.

The key to the deal lies in Semenyo's £65 million release clause, which will take effect from January 1st. This clause allows interested clubs to negotiate directly with the player without going through Bournemouth.

Furthermore, according to journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool, along with Real Madrid and Manchester City, are also interested in Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise. The Anfield club may see the French player as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. However, signing Olise would be a major challenge as his contract with the German club runs until the summer of 2029. Olise has scored 9 goals and provided 11 assists in 23 matches this season.

The uncertain future of Man United's targets.

The Times reports that Brighton & Hove Albion will reject all offers for midfielder Carlos Baleba until 2027. While they may let the player leave in the future, Brighton will stand firm against interest from Manchester United next summer. This could force Man United to turn to other targets such as Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace or Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest to strengthen their midfield.

In other news related to Man United, several clubs are monitoring Jadon Sancho's situation. According to TEAMtalk, Borussia Dortmund wants to bring Sancho back, while Monaco and Como have also held talks with the player's representatives. Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa and Man United's management has no plans to recall him. Aston Villa also wants to keep Sancho until the end of the season.

Other notable transfer news

Aston Villa are interested in Ter Stegen.

Aston Villa have reportedly submitted a request to Barcelona for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Premier League club are concerned about Emiliano Martínez's recent back problems and believe the 33-year-old German is a reliable replacement. Ter Stegen also wants to play regularly to compete for the number one spot in the German national team for the World Cup.

Real Madrid could loan out Mastantuono.

According to Calciomercato, Real Madrid are actively considering loaning out attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono in January. The 18-year-old wants more playing opportunities to earn a call-up to the Argentina national team. Los Blancos have no intention of selling him permanently.

Updates from other leagues

• Niklas Sule:According to Nicolo Schira, the Borussia Dortmund defender is being monitored by AC Milan and will become a free agent this summer.
• Fisnik Asllani:Bayern Munich are considering signing the Hoffenheim striker, who has a €30 million release clause, according to Christian Falk.
• Kostas Tsimikas:The left-back could return to Liverpool in January after a loan spell at Roma, according to Nicolo Schira.