Manchester United's players are back in training as Erik ten Hag's prepare for the Premier League season to resume, but some will have an eye on what is due to happen a few days after that.
A number of the players not on World Cup duty have jetted off to Spain for warm-weather training followed by two friendly matches. United are back in competitive action with an EFL Cup game on December 21, before resuming their Premier League campaign six days later.
Less than a week after that, though, the transfer window will open and United will have decisions to make. Here are the latest news lines as Ten Hag looks for a Cristiano Ronaldo replacement among other things.
Gakpo verdict issued
Manchester United continue to be linked with Cody Gakpo, the PSV Eindhoven star who could cost as much as £50m. However, with Real Madrid also in the mix, the forward's international team-mate Virgil van Dijk has issued a damning statement.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all," Liverpool defender and Dutch captain Van Dijk said. "I think he definitely has a next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen.
“Whether it happens in the winter or next year, time will tell. But he’s a great boy. (He) works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him. We are very pleased he’s doing so well and long may it continue.”
Milan's Leao response
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Another forward on United's radar is Rafael Leao. The Portugal star has also been linked with Chelsea after impressing at AC Milan, but his club manager is confident of keeping him at the San Siro.
"He's really happy with us, it's clear," Stefano Pioli told Sky Sport Italy. "[Paolo] Maldini & Rafa's camp are in negotiations. We're waiting for good news. He's happy with Milan, I want him to stay."
Leao scored 11 league goals last season to help Milan win the Scudetto, and has six in the competition this term. The 23-year-old is part of Portugal's squad at the World Cup, and scored in his country's 3-2 victory over Ghana in the group stages.
Frimpong price set
United's search for a right-back has seen the name of Jeremie Frimpong mentioned. The Dutch youngster could be available after Bayer Leverkusen's elimination from the Champions League, but he is unlikely to be cheap.
Various reports suggest the Dutch youngster will cost in the region of £21m. Real Madrid could provide competition for the 21-year-old, though, with their own long-serving right-back Dani Carvajal turning 31 in January.
If former Celtic man Frimpong is to move to Old Trafford, it would likely spell the end for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The £50m man has played just once for United this season, and has been linked with a January exit despite taking part in the current warm-weather training camp.
