Man Utd set big January ‘priority’ amid fresh transfer blow

Manchester United showed no loss of confidence on Wednesday night after that defeat to Arsenal over the weekend, and they are now preparing for FA Cup action.

The Red Devils defeated Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and Reading await this weekend. In the meantime, Erik ten Hag and the club’s recruitment chiefs will be working to see if they can bring another player or two to Old Trafford, a job that will be made all that more difficult by a very tight budget and an impending transfer deadline.

On that topic, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Loan exits a priority

One of United’s priorities ahead of deadline day appears to be loan exits.

It may not be the most exciting news for United fans, but it seems exits are the main point of emphasis, with the Red Devils keen to match young players with clubs where they will feature regularly. That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who say Charlie McNeill and others are in the process of being matched.

The news comes amid talk that more senior heads in Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellestri could be loaned out ahead of next week’s deadline.

Gusto blow

In terms of incomings, there is a blow of sorts for United, with reported target Malo Gusto a target of their Premier League rivals.

According to L’Equipe, Chelsea are intent on landing Gusto, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. It’s claimed the Blues have submitted a second offer worth £17million to sign the 19-year-old, but that bid was also rejected. Lyon are said to want as much as £25million for Gusto.

If Chelsea’s recent business is anything to go by, they will pay the asking price and United are likely to miss out on Gusto.