It's looking like it could be a rather hectic January window for Manchester United. The club hadn't planned to spend any money next month but are now drawing up plans to sign a new forward to help offset Cristiano Ronaldo's release.
January additions are often saved for clubs that are desperate. Despite their best efforts on the pitch, United have fallen into this category through no fault of their own.
Signing a new striker was considered in the summer, though it was only ever viewed as a preference rather than a priority given the other areas of concern in their squad.
Read next: Ten Hag breaks silence on Ronaldo exit
What is comforting is that Erik ten Hag's transfer track record has been very good. He was backed by a record level of spending in the summer, far more than the club had initially budgeted for, but the gamble has begun to pay off.
Part of the reason United were able to bring forward investment plans was because of the huge savings they made when a host of big-earners left for free last summer; it could hold the key to them signing a top player next month too.
United's dilemma is that top targets such as Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane aren't up for sale at the midway point of the campaign, while Cody Gakpo will demand a highly inflated fee following his success at the World Cup.
Even if they can't get a top target, they still need to sign someone next month and will likely need to pay above a player's valuation for them. That throws up the dilemma of whether to spend another massive amount on a long-term striking solution, or whether to go for a more affordable stop-gap and sign another next summer.
What is reassuring for United at least is that they have already benefited from a £18million boost that could help them finance their transfer plans with regard to a new striker.
United have already predicted they will save £16million in wages that were due to be paid to Ronaldo before the end of the season but will no longer have to following the 'clean break' agreement they reached.
Of course, there will naturally be a loss in regard to the commercial and marketing power the Portuguese brought to the club, but overall, United are still expected to benefit financially from his exit.
They will also receive approximately £2 million from the Club Benefits Programme, which states that clubs will be able to receive approximately £9,000 for each day a relevant player remains with his national team during the World Cup and the official preparation period for the tournament.
United had 16 current players feature in the competition, while they will also get money from Daniel James and Edinson Cavani's involvement due to a rule that states 'all clubs a player has played for in the two years prior to the tournament will be compensated.'
James was away for 16 days and Cavani for 19 days, meaning United will receive roughly £315,000 for their involvement alone.
The overall figure is set to rise even further given that United have a player involved in every single quarter-final tie and are certain to have a player taking part in the semi-final stages as well.
It means that while it will still be difficult to sign a top transfer target next month, Ten Hag will at least have the finances to do so if he wishes.
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