Merry christmas! The January transfer window is just a week away and Manchester United have work to do.
Ruben Amorim's side have lost back-to-back games for the second time since he took charge just over a month ago, providing a harsh reality check for the club's hierarchy. After spending around €200 million last summer, United will likely have to get out the checkbook again if they want to finish in the Champions League places.
The Red Devils are in 13th place heading into their second Christmas trip to Wolves, but the future of Marcus Rashford is still the biggest talking point within Carrington. Amorim insists it was his decision to drop him for the final three matchday squads and reports claim the new United boss is already targeting a replacement.
Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Old Trafford.
Amorim wants Williams to replace Rashford
Ruben Amorim has identified Spain and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams as his ideal replacement for Marcus Rashford. Williams, 22, has long been promoted for a move to Barcelona, but the La Liga giants' financial problems prevented a deal from being completed in the summer window.
According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, United have already contacted Williams' agent and are said to be willing to trigger his €60 million (£50 million) release clause if Rashford is sold. European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race for the winger's signature.
Contract update from Amad
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has confirmed that the Red Devils are close to agreeing a new contract with Amad. The 22-year-old Ivorian is out of contract at the end of this season but is well advanced in negotiations to sign a long-term extension after impressing under Ruben Amorim and former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Brown told Football Insider: “I don't expect there to be any issues, they are making good progress in the talks. The things that still need to be agreed should be a formality I think. From what I hear they are I I am confident that an agreement will be reached quickly, because everyone involved wants to get over the line.”
Barcelona rules out Garnacho's move
Alejandro Garnacho will not move to Barcelona if he leaves Manchester United. Garnacho, 20, has lost his way in recent weeks and was dropped from Ruben Amorim's squad for the Manchester derby amid rumors he was responsible for leaking team news.
El Nacional claim that the Spanish-born Argentina international's representatives approached Barca to discuss a possible move, but manager Hansi Flick immediately dismissed the idea. Flick is said to be concerned about Garnacho fitting into his hard-working philosophy.
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