'Closing in' - Man Utd exit link as Karim Benzema 'stance' emerges

Manchester United have one week left to conclude any transfer business and finalise their squad for the second-half of the season. Incomings will be few, if any, but Erik ten Hag will want to see a major improvement on what happened between August and December.

United are back in action on the pitch this Sunday when they take on Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round. It's a chance for some optimism to be injected into the club and ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest headlines ahead of the trip to Rodney Parade.

Pellistri loan exit

Facundo Pellistri is 'closing in' on a loan move to Granada with talks progressing in recent days. Fabrizio Romano reports that discussions are now moving fast with all interested parties keen to finalise the deal.

Pellistri gave his approval of the move earlier this month but there has been radio silence since the news first broke, believed to be centred around the percentage of wages Granada would cover. United have been open to partial coverage on other moves, given their superior financial position compared to suitors, but will not cover them in their entirety.

The Uruguayan has fallen down the pecking order under Ten Hag, starting just three times in all competitions this season - the last of which came in September. Amad Diallo has also returned from a long-term injury and was preferred off the bench against Nottingham Forest last month when United needed a goal.

Benzema stance

A loan move for Karim Benzema is 'unlikely' this month, given Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously questioned United's recruitment of ageing players. The Daily Mail cites big-money moves for Casemiro and Raphael Varane as two pieces of business that may not have been approved by the INEOS chief.

Benzema has been among the list of strikers linked with a move to Old Trafford and speculation will likely intensify, following confirmation that Anthony Martial will be out for around 10 weeks after undergoing surgery on a groin complaint.

The French international only joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad in the summer but has grown frustrated with the level of football in the region. He has also been linked with a sensational return to boyhood club Lyon.