Fabrizio Romano names the three players Man Utd have ‘held talks with’ ahead of January transfer window

Fabrizio Romano has claimed Manchester United could look to add a centre-back and a striker in January and have already had talks with the agents of three players.

Due to the club’s financial situation and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the takeover situation, there is not expected to be any major additions at Old Trafford in the mid-season window, with loans looking more likely for Erik ten Hag’s side.

That could change, however, if United can move on some players, with Donny van de Beek expected to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, while the club are willing to let Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial leave.

But with finances tight, the Red Devils might look to complete loan deals - as they did last January when Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst arrived - and Romano said deals could still be completed.

“They [United] are having regular meetings with agents. They are meeting regularly to decide on targets for January,” the Italian reporter said on his live Kick stream on Tuesday night.

“The important message for United fans is they won’t do incredible or big things in January. Don’t expect to see super big names joining Manchester United. But Man United are looking at the market in two positions.

“For United the priorities are centre-back - looking at some possibilities. My feeling is they will look at some cheap names for the January window and to go for some big names in the summer transfer window.

“My understanding is Man United want to sign a top player at centre-back, but this scenario is more likely in the summer because of Financial Fair Play and many reasons.

“Then a striker,” he continued, before claiming United have spoken with the agents of Serhou Guirassy, Donyell Malen and Timo Werner.

“I think it is important to understand what happens with a striker. Yes, Manchester United had talks with the agents of Guirassy, he is one of the players Man United are considering. 

“Man United had conversations with the agent of Donyell Malen, who is ready to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2024 and has new agents. Man United had conversations with the agents of Timo Werner. I’m hearing that Man United are also speaking to other players in that position. 

“They are looking at options but for the striker position it is important to understand what is happening with Martial. Martial is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and is not expected to be offered a contract and the clause to offer a new contract is not expected to be triggered. So the opportunity to let Martial leave already in January, in case they receive a proposal, is something potentially concrete.”