Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United 'conversations have started' over possible January signing
Man Utd could add to their squad in the January transfer window and here is the latest gossip.
Ruben Amorim is open to adding new players to his Manchester United squad in the January transfer window if the right opportunity comes about. The Portuguese head coach was backed with over £200 million in the summer but still has work to do if his side are to challenge for major honours.
United have already made a midfield refresh their priority for next year, with at least two players needed in the position. They only have four senior midfielders in their first-team squad, and there are doubts over all of them ahead of next summer. Casemiro could leave when his contract expires, and there is firm transfer interest in Bruno Fernandes. Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with his playing time, and Manuel Ugarte has struggled since he arrived last year.
Mainoo requested to leave on loan in the final days of the summer and could look to leave again in January, with a World Cup call-up currently unlikely. Joshua Zirkzee is in the same boat, and while Amorim is adamant he wants to keep both players until the end of the season, one of them could leave if a replacement is available.
Romano confirms United plans for January window
Manchester United are keeping their options open ahead of January, with Ruben Amorim in discussions over their possible plans for the transfer window. Speaking in his latest YouTube video, notorious transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed a signing could be made, but only if they offer long-term value to the first-team squad.
“Ruben Amorim sends clear indications in public and in private for Manchester United in the January transfer window. Because in private, the conversations have started between Amorim [and] the board,” said Romano.
“In general, Amorim and the board are talking about the January window; the opportunities, the players who want to play more: Kobbie Mainoo (and) Joshua Zirkzee. For Zirkzee, there are West Ham and Roma in recent weeks.
“Amorim sends a clear message, also in public, talking about the January window. First of all, he says: ‘The window will be open, there is a possibility we will do something.’ – so not closing the doors to the opportunities to bring in new players. Also, he says: ‘I don’t want players for the short term.’
“Amorim is not in for bringing in a player for just a few months. A player will join Manchester United if they believe the player could be an option for the long term.”
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