Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd have specific reason for eyeing Marcos Llorente Atletico Madrid loan transfer
Manchester United are interested in signing Marcos Llorente from Atletico Madrid on loan during the January transfer window.
Marcos Llorente shows off skills in Atletico Madrid training
Manchester United are eyeing Marcos Llorente because they feel the size of Atletico Madrid’s squad makes a loan deal feasible, according to reports. The Spaniard has struggled at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium ever since his arrival from Real Madrid back in the summer.
Manchester United are eyeing at least one new midfielder for the January transfer window.
The club have seen Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay hit by injuries in recent times, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with just Fred, Nemanja Matic, James Garner and Andreas Pereira to call upon.
Last week, it emerged the club were eyeing a loan deal for Atletico Madrid star Llorente.
The 24-year-old has struggled for Atletico this season ever since his arrival from Real Madrid back in the summer.
And the Manchester Evening News have opened up on United’s transfer pursuit.
KEY STORY: Man Utd transfer deal for Fernandes could be scrapped because of Mendes plan
It’s claimed they believe Atletico may let Llorente go because of the sheer size of their squad.
In general, United think La Liga clubs have sufficient numbers in their ranks to make such a loan possible.
And, with Llorente at Atletico Madrid, that’s certainly true.
Diego Simeone’s side are well-stocked in the midfield area with the likes of Hector Herrera, Thomas Partey, Koke and Saul Niguez on their books.
But whether United are able to bring the youngster to Old Trafford this month is something only time will tell.
DON’T MISS
Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea chances on signing Jadon Sancho
Solskjaer first admitted the Red Devils would look at loan deals this winter back in November.
“It's not about X amount of money,” said Solskjaer when asked how big the club's transfer budget might be.
“[Buying players] is about who we think is going to be good for the club in the long term, not just for three or four months.
”[Are those people available?] Probably not, because that's the thing in January - not many clubs will sell players they want to keep in January.
“Maybe one or two could be a loan deal, but that's not a money thing, that's to help the team.
“But we're getting players back. We're looking at what can be available for us.”
Llorente isn’t the only player on United’s radar.
The club are also understood to still be keen on landing Sporting Lisbon playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
There have been mixed messages on that transfer, however, and it’s unclear whether or not the Portugal international will move to the Premier League this winter.