Seven top players linked to Manchester United and how likely they are to sign in the January transfer window

The January transfer window is in full swing with clubs all over the globe looking to tweak their squads in order to achieve their targets come the end of the season.

Manchester United are fighting to finish in the top four of the Premier League, as well as having the FA Cup and Champions League as potential pieces of silverware still up for grabs.

The Red Devils have depth in their team but may need to add more quality if they want to achieve their targets come May.

United have been linked with multiple names during the winter window and Ralf Rangnick’s side face competition from Europe’s elite to sign them.

However, that doesn’t stop the rumours of who the Red Devils could sign this month.

Let’s take a look at seven names who could be in United’s transfer plans and how likely these deals are to happen before the January deadline.

Julian Alvarez

A name heavily rumoured to be on United’s radar after his impressive form for River Plate in the Argentinian top flight last year, Julian Alvarez is a young, hungry forward who would add much-needed firepower to the club’s frontline.

The 21-year-old scored 24 goals for Los Millonarios during this time and helped guide them to the 2021 Primera Division in December - their first in seven years.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

A move for Alvarez looks likely given his current release clause is £17m, rising to £21m by 21 January, as per Ole.

However, they reportedly face competition from some of Europe’s biggest teams, including AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus for the forward’s signature.

The latest odds put the Red Devils as 4/1 favourites to sign the Argentine this month.

Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves and the Red Devils continue to be linked since the Portuguese international has become an established Premier League midfielder for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 24-year-old can play as a defensive, central or attacking-midfielder, with the first of those his more recognised position.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

Reports from The Sun state United are ‘determined’ to sign Neves during the winter window, with the club ready to make a £35m offer.

Wolves want more than £40m for the midfielder and the Red Devils face competition from Arsenal for the midfielder.

Despite interest from the Gunners, United are favourites to sign the midfielder with odds of 5/1.

Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips could be a key signing if the Red Devils lure him from rivals Leeds United this month.

A holding-midfielder, the position United need to strengthen in, Phillips has impressed in the role for his club, earning himself 19 caps for England to date.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

It’s doubtful Kalvin Phillips would depart Leeds for United due the rivalry between both teams.

This, added with the Yorkshire Evening Post claiming the 26-year-old is looking to sign a new deal at Elland Road, could leave Rangnick looking at alternative targets.

Currently Phillips is 6/1 to join the Red Devils this month - good odds considering the above points.

Declan Rice

Another name that has continued to be linked with United for some time is Declan Rice.

The West Ham United holding-midfielder has been a standout performer for the club this season, with a rating of 7.24 from whoscored.com - the highest Englishman in the Premier League in that role.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

There’s no denying Rice would improve the Red Devils’ midfield given he is statistically outperforming Scott McTominay, Fred, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba.

However, reports suggest that the club would have to pay a hefty £100m to sign the 23-year-old, something that might fend off United for the time being.

The club remain favourites for Rice’s signature at 7/1.

Timo Werner

German forward Timo Werner has been rumoured to be on his way to Old Trafford since the arrival of Rangnick in November.

The Chelsea star knows the manager well, having worked with him during the 2018-19 season at RB Leipzig.

That campaign saw Werner net 18 goals and assist his team-mates on 13 occasions in 38 appearances.

In his two seasons with Chelsea, he hasn’t been as prolific in front of goal, but continues to receive support from the Blues’ fans.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

His familiarity with Rangnick could be exactly why the German pair might reunite at Old Trafford in the near future.

A move to United is doubtful though, with Werner’s versatility a key factor to keep him at Stamford Bridge. So far this season he has played on the wing and up front for Chelsea.

Nevertheless, United are 12/1 to sign the forward during the winter window.

Frenck Kessie

French Kessie is on the Red Devils’ radar according to reports. The AC Milan midfielder has scored five goals in 21 appearances this season for the Italian club, assisting his team-mates once.

He has spent his whole senior career in Italy, but could be on his way to Manchester this month.

Kessie is currently away on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations and has 52 caps to his name.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

There is potential for Kessie to join United this month, especially with the Ivorian’s contract expiring at the end of the campaign.

A cut-price deal could be struck to allow the midfielder to move to Manchester, however, the Red Devils face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

The odds say the Red Devils are 12/1 to secure the midfielder’s signature during the winter window.

Frenkie de Jong

Though a regular in Barcelona’s midfield this season, featuring 24 times in all competitions, Frenkie de Jong is linked with a move to Old Trafford this month.

The 24-year-old is averaging a rating of 7.01 this campaign for club and country, with an impressive passing success rate of 90.1%, according to whoscored.com.

De Jong’s passing ability would be a brilliant attribute to the United midfield, given it is significantly better than all of the club’s current players in that position.

How likely is a deal to go ahead?

A deal between Barcelona and the Red Devils has gone silent over the last couple of weeks.

However, with the Dutchman’s recent performance in the semi-final of the Spanish Supercopa on Wednesday, it looks as if De Jong could be on his way out of the club.

United are 14/1 to sign the Dutchman during the January transfer window.

The odds quoted are from SkyBet at the time of writing.