Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd transfer news: Fernandez talks advancing, Gakpo alternatives, January budget
Express Sport keeps you up to date with the day's latest Manchester United transfer stories.
Man Utd's next six Premier League fixtures
Christmas Day has come and gone which means the January transfer window is just around the corner, and not many others have a bigger job on their hands than Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has already been dealt a severe blow in the chase to replace five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, whose exit from Old Trafford last month was shrouded in controversy.
Many assumed that Cody Gakpo was the heir to Ronaldo's spot in the team with he and Ten Hag already well acquainted from their time together, many years ago, at PSV Eindhoven. However, Liverpool struck from out of the blue to land the three-goal World Cup star in an initial £37million deal.
That has left the Red Devils scrambling for alternatives with a place in the Premier League top four up for grabs. Tottenham slipped up against Brentford on Boxing Day, meaning that United would edge ahead if they win both of their games in hand, starting with Nottingham Forest later today.
With preparation for the window heating up and stories coming thick and fast, stay tuned to Express Sport's live Man Utd transfer updates below...
JUST IN: Tottenham 'arrange Ndombele meeting' but Napoli plan may anger Levy
Pickford deal is possible
United are in the mix to sign Jordan Pickford but face competition from Chelsea and Tottenham, according to reports.
The Everton star is happy to commit to a new contract at Goodison Park, despite the Toffees enduring another difficult Premier League campaign.
However, with his current deal due to expire at the end of next season, a parting of the ways may be on the cards.
Felix deal in the balance
United could be put off by the terms of a potential loan deal for Atletico Madrid hitman Joao Felix, according to reports.
The Portugal international is being strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the wake of the Red Devils’ failure to sign Cody Gakpo, who is heading to Liverpool.
And Memphis Depay is one player to keep an eye on, though nothing is advanced when it comes to re-signing the forward from Barcelona.
Van Dijk's Gakpo swipe
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk already stung Man Utd over the transfer of Cody Gakpo long before the forward's move to Anfield was confirmed.
Interest in the outgoing PSV Eindhoven ace ramped up during the World Cup but, at that point, only United and Real Madrid were thought to be in the running.
During a Netherlands press conference, Van Dijk suggested that the Red Devils and Los Blancos were not quite on the same level.
"Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all," he said. "I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell. He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue."
Real Madrid eyeing Garnacho
Real Madrid are not prepared to give up on their interest in Alejandro Garnacho, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
The teenager's contract situation could give United fans cause for concern as it expires in 2024 and Los Blancos could offer him a massive pay rise from what he currently earns, which is thought to be just £5,000 a week.
With negotiations over a new deal perhaps taking longer than expected, Madrid could soon strike for one of the highest-rated youngsters in the Premier League.
Garnacho is an Argentina international but rose through the ranks with Atletico Madrid, meaning he is familiar with the Spanish capital.
Fernandez talks advancing
...On the subject of Enzo Fernandez, reports from Portugal suggest that Man Utd are making good progress after a recent round of talks.
The player is back from celebrating in Argentina following the country's sensational World Cup win in Qatar, with clarity on his future expected over the coming days.
Naturally, Benfica are keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old but a £105million release clause could leave him susceptible to a swoop.
Man Utd are in the mix and Record claim that a mystery bid is in the hands of Jorge Mendes that would be big enough to trigger it.
Red Devils approach new Eredivisie star
Manchester United have approached Ajax over the availability of Mohammed Kudus, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur.
Erik ten Hag has not been shy in raiding his former club, having done so to snap up Lisandro Martinez and Antony during the summer.
Kudus shone for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup and a host of top clubs are also believed to be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.
Enzo Fernandez fear
A host of top clubs have been credited with interest in Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, and United are among them.
Benfica have attempted to fend off interest by demanding the full cost of his £105million release clause in January, but having been named the Best Young Player at the tournament, an interested club forking out is not beyond the realms of possibility.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Benfica fear that Newcastle could flex their financial muscles and pay the hefty sum after the New Year.
That would leave United and others scrambling for alternative midfield options, with Erik ten Hag supposedly still keen to recruit in the middle of the park.
United stalled on Gakpo bid
Manchester United may have missed out on Cody Gakpo because they took too long before submitting an official bid.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils bided their time because they wanted to discuss the matter internally before throwing money on the table.
"Erik ten Hag was a BIG fan of Cody Gakpo and Man Utd were in touch with his agents in the last few days, weeks, and months, but never made an official bid because they decided to wait and discuss internally before acting," he said via his YouTube channel.
Bitter rivals Liverpool stole in to capitalise on United's risky approach and they quickly reached an agreement to sign the forward in January.
Joao Felix talks accelerate
Man Utd are in the market for a new forward and Relevo claim that talks with Joao Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, have recently accelerated.
With the Portuguese poised to leave Atletico Madrid, a move to the Premier League is believed to be the most likely outcome with Arsenal and United at the forefront.
Mendes hopes that the spat between the Red Devils and his client, Cristiano Ronaldo, can be put to bed by pushing through a loan move for Felix.
Wan-Bissaka replacement
Manchester United are still pushing to sign Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta.
Erik ten Hag has frozen Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of the team and the former Crystal Palace star is reportedly set to be sold in January.
Dumfries is one of the most exciting attacking full-backs in Europe and Chelsea are also showing interest in the 26-year-old, who caught the eye at the World Cup.
Record De Gea replacement eyed
Manchester United are eyeing up Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa to replace David de Gea at the end of the season, according to AS.
The Red Devils recently triggered a host of one-year contract extensions but, despite the option being there, De Gea wasn't among them as Ten Hag weighs up whether to pursue a new No 1.
With Costa in impressive form and contracted to Porto until 2027, it is thought that his asking price could even exceed the world-record £72million that Chelsea paid for Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018.
Ten Hag learns budget
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag may be hoping for another free-spending transfer window after breaking the bank on Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and others during the summer.
According to The Daily Mail, that won't be the case as the Dutchman is poised to be given zero budget for permanent transfers while United's hierarchy focus solely on the loan market.
Reports have already stated that Atletico Madrid are willing to let Joao Felix head to the Premier League on loan for the rest of the season and it remains to be seen if United bite at the opportunity.
Gakpo alternative ruled out
Manchester United are now scouring the market for attacking alternatives after Cody Gakpo's agreement to join Liverpool in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo's exit has left a vacancy to be filled but contingency plans are now being put in place with Erik ten Hag's top target heading across the North West to United's bitter rivals.
According to Calciomercato, Napoli star Victor Osimhen is the club's 'dream' striker target but his mammoth price tag has already made a move in January virtually impossible.
The Italian outlet theorise that Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic could also be in the running after attracting serious Premier League interest in the past.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to today's live Manchester United transfer blog, brought to you by Express Sport.
Red Devils fans will be looking for their team to bounce back after suffering frustration in pursuit of Cody Gakpo.
Stay right here and we'll keep you regularly updated throughout the day...