Manchester United are planning a busy January transfer window, with Erik ten Hag hoping to make four signings, according to reports. Raphael Varane, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat are among the players at risk if the Dutchman adds reinforcements in four different areas this winter.
United’s budget is tight amid ongoing Financial Fair Play concerns and uncertainty over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion deal for a 25 per cent stake and control of football operations.
The club’s major overhaul was expected next summer, but Sir Jim and INEOS could be eyeing an early statement of intent if they enter power before the new year.
According to The Guardian, United aim to strengthen four areas of Ten Hag’s squad in January by recruiting a right-sided centre-back, a defensive midfielder, a more advanced midfielder and a striker.
However, there is said to be an understanding at Old Trafford that such audacious plans will take some doing to come to fruition.
Any incomings could depend on United’s success in offloading players like Varane, Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho.
And it’s claimed that a striker signing will hinge on whether the chance to cash in on Anthony Martial before his contract expiry next summer arises.
That said, Ten Hag’s attack reportedly isn’t a priority after Rasmus Hojlund’s £72million summer arrival. The same can’t be said about the midfield.
The report adds that Amrabat’s performances on loan from Fiorentina have sparked internal doubts. He has started just four Premier League games this season.
Meanwhile, Casemiro’s future is also unclear after failing to replicate the impressive form of his maiden campaign in England.
United’s reported interest in a No 8 doesn’t make good reading for another of Ten Hag’s signings, Mount. He has struggled for form and fitness since his £60m switch from Chelsea, making next to no impact.
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