Transfer Notebook: Man United face compensation bill to hire ex-former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe is a frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United; Newcastle would demand £3m compensation as Howe remains contracted to the Magpies.

Eddie Howe has emerged as a leading candidate to become Manchester United's next manager, with sources indicating he would be open to the Old Trafford role despite currently enjoying time away from football following his departure from Newcastle in the summer. However, United would need to pay Newcastle £3m in compensation, as Howe remains contractually tied to the club he left. The move comes as Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure at United, with technical director Jason Wilcox reportedly keen to appoint a manager with Premier League experience.

Elsewhere, Chelsea are increasingly confident of signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in January as a replacement for Enzo Fernández, who departed for Manchester City. Bournemouth value Scott at £100m and Xabi Alonso's side are preparing an offer around that figure, though Scott is currently sidelined with a quad muscle injury. Liverpool also hold an interest but are not seen as frontrunners.

In other transfer news, West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Jadon Sancho, who has been without a club since leaving Manchester United at the end of last season. Sancho has received a below-market offer from Spanish side Getafe and is now seeking alternatives in England, representing a dramatic fall from grace for the £73m signing from Borussia Dortmund.