Man Utd set for permanent midfield exit with 'medical booked' as Real Madrid make Raphael Varane decision

Manchester United have a matter of hours to conclude any transfer business before the January window slams shut at 11pm. Links to strikers and central defenders have been aplenty but the focus so far has been on outgoings, mostly loans for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Hannibal Mejbri.

Erik ten Hag's side have more pressing matters to deal with this evening, namely their Premier League trip to Wolves. But in the meantime, ManchesterWorld has taken a look at some of the latest headlines coming out of Old Trafford.

Permanent midfield exit

United are 'exchanging documents' with Werder Bremen over the permanent transfer of Isak Hansen-Aarøen. Fabrizio Romano has cited reports from Norwegian outlet TV2Sport that a medical has been booked for later today.

Hansen-Aarøen has been linked with a move away from United this month amid ongoing frustration over a lack of first-team opportunities. The 19-year-old has trained with senior teammates this season but was left out of matchday squads for FA Cup games vs Wigan and Newport County, with other academy prospects preferred. 

The teenager is into the final six months of his contract and although United would receive compensation if he were to leave on a free this summer, there is a belief that a better fee can be agreed this month. Hansen-Aarøen is set to sign a contract until 2028 with Werder Bremen.

Madrid's Varane decision

Real Madrid will not make a late move for Raphael Varane amid a worsening defensive injury crisis. Spanish outlet Defensa Central reports that club president Florentino Perez has ruled out a return for the defender.

Madrid have been without their first-choice defensive pairing for around one month, with both Eder Militao and David Alaba out with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. But the former is expected to return in good time and Carlo Ancelotti has still been able to call on Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernández.

Varane has entered the final months of his contract at United and the club opted against activating a 12-month extension when they did for three others. As it stands, the 30-year-old will leave as a free agent in the summer.