Man Utd transfer news: Cole Palmer verdict delivered as Joshua Zirkzee plan steps up

 There might not be a permanent manager in the Manchester United dugout but that doesn't mean the transfer chatter around the Red Devils has died down. Whether it's this month under interim boss Michael Carrick or - perhaps more likely - when a permanent appointment is made in the summer, the squad could well get a proper refresh.

It has been a quiet window so far, with the exception of Carrick stepping in after Ruben Amorim's dismissal. There have been no new additions on the playing side but there has been one exit, with young winger Sam Mather joining Turkish side Kayserispor.

On the pitch, United are gearing up to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday. They also face Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, just one day before the winter transfer window slams shut.

Even if United keep their cash in their wallet this month, there's been plenty of noise around what might happen in the summer. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around Old Trafford.

Palmer urged to delay move

On Wednesday, reports emerged that Cole Palmer was homesick at Chelsea and The Express suggested he would be a perfect fit for Manchester United. While it remains to be seen whether United and Chelsea would be able to thrash out a summer deal, former Blues star Marcel Desailly has urged the England international to leave Stamford Bridge - just not yet.

"I believe Palmer wants more stability and a system that’s built for him, but he still needs to fully recover from his groin injury and get back to full fitness," Desailly told Card Player. "His recent performances speak for themselves, so he needs to stay humble and come back into the team to help the club, regardless of whether he stays or goes.

"The question is whether he feel like Chelsea are going to win the Premier League in the next two seasons. If he doesn’t, I’m sure he will ask for a transfer request to a club that will build a system around him. For now, however, he needs to hit his previous levels for Chelsea to help them and their new manager through this period."

Zirkzee plans in action

Roma will test Manchester United's resolve with a concrete bid for Joshua Zirkzee, according to Sky in Italy. The publication reports that the Giallorossi had been waiting for United to get Bryan Mbeumo back from the Africa Cup of Nations before returning to the negotiating table.

Zirkzee is reported to be keen to fight for his place at Old Trafford but Roma are ready to pounce if he changes his mind. The Dutch international missed the weekend win over Manchester City with a minor injury but has struggled for regular minutes this season on the whole.

He still has a high reputation in Italy thanks to his form helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League in 2024. His performances under Thiago Motta prompted United to splash the cash but Zirzkee has been unable to consistently hit top gear since scoring a winner against Fulham on his debut.

Juventus were also linked with the forward when Motta was their manager but those links have died down. Roma's preference, it is claimed, is for a loan with a conditional option to buy in the summer.