Transfer rumours: Gore to leave on loan, Sullivan to Man City, Ngonge to Napoli

The 19-year-old has earned his first two senior appearances for the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag this season, facing Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Gore has also worn the captain's armband in three UEFA Youth League matches for Man United's Under-19s this term, and he has made two appearances for England's Under-20s.

However, the Daily Mail claims that the Red Devils are now hoping to send the midfielder out on a temporary deal for the second half of the season, and a handful of League One clubs have registered an interest.

Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, Shrewsbury Town and Fleetwood Town are all said to be keen on signing Gore, who is represented by family but is now being targeted by a number of agencies.

Gore joined the Red Devils from Burnley in the summer of 2018, and he was officially promoted to their Under-21 squad from their Under-18s last year.

On the other side of the city, United's bitter rivals Manchester City are understood to be at the head of the queue for 14-year-old American playmaker Cavan Sullivan.

The 2009-born attacking midfielder is currently on the books with the academy side at Philadelphia Union and has earned a reputation as a prolific goalscorer at youth level.

From nine matches for the USA's Under-15s, Sullivan has struck an impressive five goals, including a brace in a 2-2 draw with England in April 2023.

According to the Daily Mail, Sullivan's progress has put several European heavyweights on red alert, but Man City are currently leading the race for his services.

Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Sullivan is understood to be leaning towards joining the Premier League champions, although a move cannot officially go through until he turns 16.

Rather than immediately integrate him into their academy setup, City are said to have plans to loan Sullivan out to sister club Lommel SK in Belgium.

Across the pond in Serie A, Napoli have apparently won the race to sign Hellas Verona attacker Cyril Ngonge.

The 23-year-old has six goals and two assists to show from 19 outings in the 2023-24 Italian top flight and was previously linked with a mid-season move to Aston Villa.

However, the Lions appear to have missed the boat, as according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Ngonge is now closing in on a transfer to reigning champions Napoli.

Hellas Verona have supposedly accepted an €18m (£15.4m) bid from the Partenopei, and Walter Mazzarri's side are currently discussing personal terms with the winger.

Ngonge grew up in the youth academies of Club Brugge and PSV Eindhoven, while he also represented RKC Waalwijk and Groningen before leaving the latter for Verona in January 2023.

The attacker has registered a total of 11 goals and three assists in 36 outings for his current club across all competitions, and his contract is due to run until 2026 with the option of an additional two years.

Sticking with the Serie A theme, as many as three Italian clubs are believed to be interested in prising teenage playmaker Rocco Vata away from Celtic.

The 18-year-old Glasgow native - who represents the Republic of Ireland internationally - has forged a reputation as a prolific goalscorer for the Bhoys' B team, netting 12 goals in 15 Lowland League appearances this season.

Vata made four Scottish Premiership appearances for the senior Celtic side under Ange Postecoglou last season, but he is yet to play another first-team match since Brendan Rodgers returned to the club.

Vata is only under contract at Celtic Park until the end of May, meaning that the 2005-born protege is currently free to open talks with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement before a possible free transfer this summer.

According to Football Insider, Sampdoria, Bologna and Como are all keeping a close eye on developments, with the latter two clubs already making contact over a possible deal.

The report claims that Celtic rejected numerous offers for Vata in the summer transfer window, but they are now willing to sanction the teenager's sale in the January market.