Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd rivals "open talks" with £40m target who is also wanted by Tottenham & Chelsea

There are just a few days remaining in the January transfer window as clubs begin to ramp up their recruitment plans ahead of Monday’s 11pm deadline. United have already secured a deal for Diego Leon this month, with the left-back from Paraguay set to join up with the Red Devils in the summer.

A deal is being finalised for Patrick Dorgu with an official announcement expected soon after United came to an agreement with Serie A side Lecce. United boss Ruben Amorim is keen to sign a striker before the deadline but with little funds to work with the Old Trafford outfit are largely restricted to loan deals - unless they can sell one of their current players for a handsome fee.

The likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have been linked with departures but as the deadline ticks closer, departures for either of the players are looking more unlikely.

United in for Tel

The Red Devils are one of several clubs interested in wantaway Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel. The 19-year-old Frenchman is not getting the desired game time in Germany and a recent report claimed he favours a move to United this window. It is far from straightforward, however, as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked while a new Premier League rival has now entered the race.

That is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who wrote on X that Villa have held talks with Bayern. He said: “One more club has called today for Mathys Tel: Aston Villa have also asked for deal conditions. Jhon Durán leaves to join Al Nassr and Villa are in the market for new striker, with contact made for Tel. There are currently 7 clubs involved.”

Bayern’s director, Max Eberl, has admitted a number of clubs have called him about Tel and that a move is possible before Monday’s deadline. He said: “Yes, Mathys Tel wants to go. Loan or permanent? We will assess all the options. I've rarely had so many clubs call me about a player before.”

What is happening with Marcus Rashford?

With United keen to bolster their attack, Rashford remains left out of Amorim’s squad. The England international has not travelled for the Red Devils’ Europa League clash with FCSB. Speaking about the player, Amorim said on Wednesday: "Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him - but he has to change. If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] - and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.

"You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody. We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third. The situation is the same for every player. I will not put [in] any player that doesn't give the maximum. When I feel it is the right moment, I will put in any player to play. We are a better team with Rashford, that is clear, but until the right moment I will not change my mind."

In other news, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says athletics coach Harry Marra has been brought to the club to help consult the coaching staff rather than as a coach for the Red Devils squad.