Man Utd face sporting director 'issue' as agent of long-term £70m target addresses contract dispute

Manchester United will be putting the final touches on preparations for their FA Cup fourth round clash at Newport County this weekend. Erik ten Hag's men head to Rodney Parade on Sunday looking to avoid being on the wrong end of an upset.

In the meantime, speculation regarding any late incomings has intensified following the news of Anthony Martial's 10-week absence after the striker underwent surgery on a groin complaint. And with less than a week of the window remaining, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest headlines surrounding the Reds.

Berrada issue

There may be a delay on United hiring a sporting director or head of recruitment due to Manchester City's demand to place Omar Berrada on gardening leave until the summer. Berrada will become the new CEO at Old Trafford but not for six months which means he will miss most of the summer window.

Any new hires below Berrada will likely need his approval and so United could be left with an issue to address when trying to lure the likes of Dan Ashworth or Paul Mitchell to join the new team working above Ten Hag.

"United/INEOS will want to get as much as they can sorted before the summer window, but that's easier said than done because Berrada is not permitted to work for the club during his six-month gardening leave and any such appointments will require meetings with - and the blessing of - the CEO," David Ornstein told a Q&A for The Athletic. "Also, even when such positions are filled the chosen candidates may have their own start dates bound by contractual restrictions."

Martinez future

The agent of Lautaro Martinez has revealed his player and Inter Milan are yet to reach an agreement over a new contract. The forward's current deal expires in 2026 and United are among several sides to have been linked with interest in the past.

“Lautaro is at very high levels, so finding an agreement is not easy, there are many aspects to discuss," Camano told Radio Sportiva. "Today there is still no real agreement, so let’s stay calm and talk with Inter constantly.”

Ten Hag is thought to want a more experienced option to support the young Rasmus Hojlund and Martinez is a reliable goalscorer, netting 18 goals in as many Serie A appearances this season and 123 in his five-and-a-half-year spell in Milan. Previous reports have suggested the 26-year-old could cost around £70million.