Manchester United is expanding its activities as the January transfer window reaches the halfway point.
United have shown clear signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim in recent weeks, with the 2-2 draw at Liverpool followed by a back-to-the-wall win over Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup third round. But the work Amorim is undertaking has not stopped United from strengthening their squad in the transfer market.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is open to selling any player should a suitable offer come along, and that stance is relevant as the standoff over a new contract with Kobbie Mainoo continues. Bayern Munich have now joined Chelsea and expressed an interest in the academy graduate.
Meanwhile, talks in Italy over a possible move for Marcus Rashford to AC Milan continue. But there's a lot more going on behind the scenes at United at the moment, so let Mirror Football bring you the most of it.
Young defender Diego Leon underwent medical treatment on Monday after flying to Manchester over the weekend. The 17-year-old left-back is set to sign a pre-contract deal with the club before returning to Cerro Porteno in Paraguay for the remainder of the season.
Amorim has identified the left-back as a problem area as Luke Shaw's injury problems persist and there are doubts over Tyrell Malacia, who has been linked with a move to Como this month. The Dutchman has only just returned from a long-term injury and United are said to be considering a loan with an option to buy.
In the meantime, they remain linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes. PSG have not agreed a new contract with Mendes and United have good relations with the French giants after purchasing Manuel Ugarte in the summer.
According to Italian publication Sport Italia, Alejandro Garnacho is a target for Napoli. It appears Napoli are likely to sell star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG this month and are looking for a replacement.
The report claims that Antonio Conte has a preference for Garnacho, who has fallen down United's pecking order of late under Amorim. Garnacho is under contract until June 2028 and the club have no intention of selling the 20-year-old, although a huge offer could sway them.
According to Sky Sports, Real Betis and Olympiacos have now made inquiries about Antony. Antony was an unused substitute against Arsenal and United would be keen to clear his £200,000-a-week wages from their account. However, a loan is believed to be the most likely outcome, with neither Betis nor Olympiacos able to afford his wages.
Ties with PSG continue elsewhere, with United among the clubs interested in Randal Kolo Muani, who is currently being promoted in the market. PSG wants to sell the French striker and use the money to sign Kvaratskhelia.
United have reportedly held concrete talks with the French club to sign Kolo Muani and could make an offer. Tottenham and Juventus have also been linked with him, but PSG boss Luis Enrique did not give anything away when asked at the weekend.
“I don't know. The transfer window for me is more like the market for fruit, fish and bread,” he said. “I have nothing to say.”
Comments