Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd player 'will leave' as 'talks advancing' over departure

Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek is reportedly closing on a January move that could bring an end to his injury-laden time at Old Trafford.

There were high hopes for the former Ajax midfielder when he joined the Red Devils in a reported £35m deal during the early weeks of the 2020/21 season.  However, a series of groin, thigh and knee ligament injuries have limited Van de Beek to just 23 starts over the last three years.

A loan stint with Premier League rivals Everton also failed to spark an upturn in fortunes after he suffered thigh problems that ensured the midfielder only made eight appearances during his temporary spell at Goodison Park. A summer move away from United failed to come to fruition and the 26-year-old has gone on to make make just two substitute appearances for United this season.

However, Van de Beek has already confirmed he was ready to leave Old Trafford and show his ambition at another club in his bid to find regular game-time when the January transfer window opens.

He told The Mirror: ''I am bouncing to play matches again. The manager is making different choices now. We have a big squad and I am not the only one knocking on the door. We'll see in January what happens. I need to start playing games very soon - if not at Man United then at another club. I think I have to be ambitious.

“I have always been a lover of the game. I am absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at United, but money is not my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day.”

United manager Erik Ten Hag, who worked with Van de Beek during his time in charge of Ajax, has already hinted the midfielder would be allowed the leave the club during the January transfer window and it looks as if a move to either La Liga or the Bundesliga could be on the cards.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported Eintracht Frankfurt are ‘leading the race’ to sign Van de Beek on loan and confirmed ‘talks are advancing’ over a deal.  However, he also revealed surprise La Liga leaders Girona have made their own load bid and offered ‘different conditions’.