Manchester United transfer state of play and what to expect on deadline day

Manchester United could see several players leave the club during Monday’s transfer deadline day, while there remains an outside chance of the Red Devils adding to their ranks before the window closes.

The deadline for clubs to sign players is 11pm tonight and in previous years United have done plenty of business on the final day of the market.

In the summer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival and Daniel James’ departure were officially confirmed on deadline day, and five months later the Red Devils could be just as busy.

Who could leave?

Jesse Lingard is the name which is still being mentioned most prominently, with several potential Premier League suitors.

Newcastle United and West Ham are the two names which have been linked most with the midfielder, although Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa and even Juventus have been mentioned.

With Lingard’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, a loan move seems most likely for now and would allow him to choose a permanent new club in the summer.

Meanwhile, reports on Sunday suggested Donny van de Beek might be on his way to Everton on loan, with the club beating Crystal Palace to the Dutchman’s signature.

Phil Jones could also leave the club, with the defender reportedly a target for French side Bordeaux, who want to sign him on a permanent deal.

Other players such as Eric Bailly, Dean Henderson, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba have been linked with moves away from Old Trafford in recent weeks and, while they look set to remain at the club, things can change very quickly on deadline day.

It’s not just first-team players who could be moving clubs, and United often allow young players to complete loan deals during the final hours of the window, with D’Mani Mellor believed to be one of those potentially leaving on a temporary basis.

What about incomings?

At this late stage it looks unlikely that the Red Devils will add to their squad in the January window, although the priority this month was always going to be trimming the squad.

There doesn’t appear to be a real desire for United to add to their goalkeeping, defensive or attacking departments at present, but they have been linked with a plethora of midfielders in recent weeks.

Many reported long-term targets such as Declan Rice or John McGinn would have to wait until the summer, but a cheaper alternative could be an option for United on Monday.

Boubacar Kamara appears the most likely addition, with his contract set to expire at Marseille in the summer, but at present it seems unlikely United will make any moves before the window closes. Denis Zakaria was also heavily linked with a move earlier in the window but now looks set to join Juventus.

Other midfielders who United are reportedly interested in include Ruben Neves, Amadou Haidara, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, but there’s no suggestion any of the quartet will be able to move on deadline day.

It was reported on Sunday that United were negotiating with Barcelona about the signing of Ousmane Dembele, but he now seems to be on his way to Paris Saint-Germain.