Manchester United could be closing in on their first January signing with midfielder their most likely recruit

Midfielder Denis Zakaria could join the Red Devils this month, according to reports on the continent.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Manchester United could be closing in on their first January signing of the transfer window, with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria believed to be a target.

The Swiss international is one of several midfielders linked with a move to Old Trafford, along with the likes of Declan Rice, Yves Bissouma, Amadou Haidara and Ruben Neves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, Zakaria’s name has been mentioned more regularly than his midfielder contemporaries this window and, given that he’s set to leave Gladbach before the start of next season, Zakaria seems the most likely January recruitment for the Red Devils.

Zakaria could be United’s first January transfer. Credit: Getty.Zakaria could be United’s first January transfer. Credit: Getty.
Zakaria could be United’s first January transfer. Credit: Getty.

What’s been reported?

Several outlets have claimed United are interested in Zakaria, with it initially reported that he could be available for £25m this window.

However, United aren’t the only club believed to be interested in the player, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all reportedly monitoring his situation.

But German journalists Christian Falk and Patrick Berger tweeted on Wednesday afternoon confirming United are definitely trying to make a deal happen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former has said United have spoken to Zakaria’s agent although no formal offer has yet been submitted to Gladbach.

Meanwhile, Berger claims talks with the player’s agent have gone well and he could be available ‘for €6-7m’ in January, but stated Liverpool, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also interesting in signing Zakaria.

Why is Zakaria leaving Gladbach?

Gladbach confirmed at the end of December that the 25-year-old will not sign a new contract at the club, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

It has been widely reported the former Young Boys central-midfielder wants to play Champions League football, something United cannot gauranetee next season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, should they get the deal concluded, this is exactly the type of player United need to strengthen their porous midfield. Zakaria, who can also be deployed at centre-back, is an athletic, tough-tackling holding player who is also technically proficient and has a good range of passing.

Related topics: