Manchester United’s Premier League campaign resumes on Tuesday night when they face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils need to hit the ground running to keep up with the top four and achieve Erik ten Hag’s top aim of returning to the Champions League. United have three games in seven days before focus can switch to the January transfer window and improving the options within Ten Hag’s squad.
Finding a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be the to[p requirement with the likes of Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao touted as options. But there are needs across the squad and Mirror Football takes a look at some of the rumours ahead of the window opening.
Gakpo makes his mind up
Cody Gakpo remains Ten Hag’s top transfer target for the January window and United’s hopes of snagging him have been boosted.
The Dutchman is coming off the back of an impressive World Cup campaign which has continued to enhance his reputation across Europe. The Red Devils were linked with Gakpo during the summer window and look set to reignite their interest in the new year.
And according to Fabrizio Romano via Express, Gakpo has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, despite reported interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
United bosses are under the impression that a deal can be agreed in the region of £50m and continue to hold talks with the player’s entourage. Mirror Football understands that PSV’s looming financial problems mean there could be a willingness to cash in on Gakpo regardless of his importance to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.
Leao speaks out
AC Milan striker Rafael Leao has revealed he is fully focused on his current club, despite links with a move to the Premier League.
Leao has emerged as another potential target for Ten Hag as he looks to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. Like Gakpo, Leao impressed at the World Cup, scoring twice despite not starting a single game for Portugal.
Asked about his future and playing in a different league other than Serie A, Leado said: "Yes, in the future. But now, I’m 100 per cent focused on Milan. I’m at a top club and I’m under contract. I also like the city.
Pressed about the Premier League in particular, he namechecked Arsenal - rather than United: "I’ve seen a lot of games this year, I like Arsenal, I think they play very well."
€30m signing ‘sanctioned’
The future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka continues to be a hot topic, despite Ten Hag suggesting he has a future at the club.
Wan-Bissaka was given a rare start in midweek, with Diogo Dalot injured but reports in France claim the United boss would like another option in the position. Media Foot via Sport Witness claim the Red Devils are preparing a €30m bid for Lyon’s Malo Gusto.
The 19-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his current deal and the report adds that Lyon would strongly consider selling Gusto, if an appropriate offer is received. United are reportedly ready to do just that, with United hierarchy signing off on the big-money transfer bid.
