Man Utd 'set sights' on £51.25m Serie A star as first-choice sporting director identified

Manchester United have entered the final 48 hours of this January transfer window and all seems quiet with no current arrivals. Erik ten Hag's side were thought to be open to a loan or two but despite plenty of speculation, nothing has come to fruition.

Ten Hag and his players will be fully focused on tomorrow evening's Premier League trip to Wolves, rather than any late transfer business. But in the meantime, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest United headlines.

Scalvini eyed

United have long been linked with a move for Giorgio Scalvini and reports from Italy cite them as the main suitors for his signature. Calciomercato reports that the Reds have 'set their sights' on Scalvini and could be willing to meet Atalanta's demand of €60million (£51.25m).

Scalvini has attracted plenty of interest and is already into his third full season as a first-team regular at Atalanta, despite being only 20-years-old. The defender is thought to have signed a new contract with the Serie A outfit but United remain in the race and could afford what is seen as a huge price-tag by Italian standards.

Central defence remains a key area to strengthen for Ten Hag, who is keen to lower the age profile in that area of his squad. Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are both expected to leave when their contracts expire in the summer, while Harry Maguire was up for sale last year and it is unclear whether he fits into Ten Hag's long-term plans.

Sporting director decision

United remain determined to bring Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford in a sporting director role. Fabrizio Romano reports that they hope to bring the Newcastle transfer chief over 'in the next weeks'.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to overhaul United's transfer strategy once his investment into the club is fully ratified. They have already poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City as the new chief executive and will follow that up with more arrivals above manager Ten Hag.

Ashworth has revolutionised Newcastle's squad since taking charge of their transfer business in February 2022. He had previously worked as technical director at Brighton.