Manchester United are more likely to sign a striker on loan rather than a permanent deal in January, with the club briefing that they will focus on the summer market.
This is unwelcome news not only to Manchester United fans but Erik ten Hag, the man expected to turn things around at Old Trafford – but with owners like the Glazers that will always be a challenge.
The latest development via The Guardian comes after Liverpool reached an agreement with PSV Eindhoven to sign Cody Gakpo for an initial £37 million.
Gakpo was a player who Erik ten Hag previously identified as a target but ultimately decided to sign Antony from Ajax instead. It was thought that United would look to sign the Dutch forward again following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure last month.
The Guardian claims that one option United explored was a payment for a loan plus a commitment to purchase Gakpo in the summer, but PSV opted to do a straight forward deal with Liverpool.
This means that any new addition is expected to be temporary rather than a major long-term investment. Jamie Jackson also plays down the likelihood on Joao Felix arriving because his loan fee is likely to be too expensive in this window.
Felix looks set to leave Atletico Madrid after falling out with manager Diego Simeone, with Los Rojiblancos willing to sell the Portuguese forward as early as the January transfer window.
The Telegraph claims that Chelsea have emerged as potential buyers.
Let us know who you think United should go after on loan in January? It could mark the return of Memphis Depay…
