The January transfer window is now open and although the early noise is that Manchester United are not expected to be active this month, players will continue to be linked with moves to Old Trafford.
The Reds splashed the cash over the summer, breaking their record for most money spent in one single transfer window, with Erik ten Hag adding six players to the squad he inherited.
One move is all but confirmed, however, with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland reportedly set to join the club after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle.
Centre-back is an area United will have to look at in the future, with Harry Maguire’s future becoming increasingly clear after he fell behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
Victor Lindelof’s future is also up in the air as the Sweden captain has just 18 months remaining on the deal he signed in 2019. United do, however, have the option to extend his contract for an additional season.
Amid United’s potential issue in defence, it has now been reported that AS Monaco and France star Axel Disasi is of interest.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who say that United hold an interest in the Ligue 1 defender but are adamant that Maguire will not depart during the January window.
As per the report, Maguire’s uncertain future means that United are looking for a long-term replacement and Disasi is expected to leave Monaco.
Furthermore, it’s claimed that United are one of several clubs tracking the defender, who was part of France’s run to the World Cup final last year.
SN’s verdict…
If Maguire ends up leaving United, they need to find a long-term replacement but it’s going to be difficult as the first-choice pairing has already been installed by Ten Hag. United’s broad scouting network will be utilised and perhaps Disasi has been flagged as a viable option.
Large sums will not be spent in January as the Glazer family continues to explore a full or partial sale of the club but if that is concluded before the end of the season, Ten Hag could be given license to strengthen his squad once again.
