Ralf Rangnick has made those above him at Manchester United aware of who he wants his first signing as manager of the club to be, but has been told the deal cannot be sanctioned just yet.
According to Bild, the Red Devils interim boss identified Amadou Haidara as his ideal candidate to bolster what has been a struggling midfield this season with Fred and Scott McTominay the first-choice pairing in the middle of the park.
Haidara currently plies his trade for Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and is a player Rangnick is incredibly familiar with given he was the manager that brought the Mali international to Germany in the first place.
However, the United manager was told that he will not be permitted to make any signings this window until a number of fringe players are sold as the club look to ease the strain on their purse strings.
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This window marks the first and potentially only one Rangnick will be in charge of United for given he was only appointed on a contract that runs for the remainder of this current season.
In turn, this has led to fears from United chiefs over the prospect of Rangnick signing a number of players that would fit his trademark 'gegenpress' playing style only for him to then leave the Old Trafford dug-out in five months time.
United are against the idea of forking out millions on 'Rangnick-style' players before appointing someone else, whether that figure be Mauricio Pochettino or Zinedine Zidane who are just two of the top-tier coaches touted with a move to Manchester.
The desire to cut ties with plenty of current first-team players also stems from the fact there are so many within Red Devils ranks that reportedly want out.
Anthony Martial has made little secret of his desire to leave after seven years at the club amid interest from La Liga side Sevilla.
The Frenchman is alleged to have told Rangick he did not want to be selected for the recent draw at Aston Villa, though Martial has passionately denied those claims.
Jesse Lingard is also rumoured to want out of the club after limited playing time under both Rangnick and his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The United academy graduate has been linked with a return to West Ham after his successful spell on loan at the London Stadium last term.
Interest from the Hammers has since cooled and Newcastle United have upped theirs as the Magpies look to make use of their newfound financial resources.
Before the turn of the year, there were reports that as many as 17 United players wanted out amid rumours certain sections of the squad had become disillusioned with Rangnick's tactics and management style.
