Manchester United could be about to field a serious transfer offer from Real Madrid as their pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold takes a twist, while an Erik ten Hag favourite is on the move
Manchester United are braced for a busy month, with the January transfer window offering an opportunity to improve a struggling squad.
United have lost four matches in a row – the last three without scoring – and enter 2025 in desperate need of a reboot under Ruben Amorim. The new United boss wants to bring Sporting Lisbon’s star striker, Viktor Gyokeres, to Old Trafford with him, but his £80million release clause makes that extremely difficult.
In order to have any chance of doing so and complying with profit and sustainability rules, United would need to offload some unwanted players first. Marcus Rashford is top of that list, while there are six other United players who are free to discuss moves to other clubs now.
Casemiro is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and Joshua Zirkzee is also the subject of speculation, but it is neither of those players who makes this round-up. Allow Mirror Football to take you through the latest rumours.
Real chase Dalot
Real Madrid have their eyes on Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they could switch targets to Diogo Dalot this month, according to i. Real have seen a £20million offer rejected by Liverpool for Alexander-Arnold and could test United by offering £50m for Dalot, it is claimed.
Real need to fill the hole left by the injured Dani Carvajal and are reportedly not convinced they can land Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract in the summer and is yet to decide on his future.
Dalot is understood to be happy at United and is not expected to agitate for a move, but has attracted interest from a number of European clubs. Amorim values Dalot, who can play on either side of the defence, but knows the club will need to sell players if they are to fund a squad overhaul.
Long-time target on the move
Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen looks set to join Aston Villa in the January transfer window. Malen was a favourite of Erik ten Hag, who wanted to sign him for Manchester United during his time as manager, but The Athletic reports that Villa are now closing in.
Dortmund have pushed back a first offer of €18million (£15m) plus add-ons, but negotiations will continue. Malen is under contract with Dortmund until June 2026 and has five goals and one assist in 20 appearances so far this season.
Guehi fits the bill
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has urged the club to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi. The England defender was wanted by Newcastle in the summer, but their attempts to sign him fell flat and he has continued to impress at Selhurst Park this season.
“Marc Guehi should definitely be on Manchester United’s list as a long-term option in defence,” Silvestre told BoyleSports. “What he is doing at Palace is proving he can be tested and perform week in and week out. I have been really impressed with his performances and I think he’d fit in really well with Ruben Amorim’s style of play.
“He is not shy of playing vertical passes and is always alert, he is strong, wins his duels and is good one on one, he’d fit in well at United.”
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