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Manchester United have identified a "massive" Premier League player as their "number one target" in a key position in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

Man Utd targeting January signings

The Red Devils have suffered huge injury problems in defence this season, with Lisandro Martinez a long-term absentee who has been a big loss, given his influence since arriving from Ajax. Raphael Varane has also continued to struggle with fitness issues, while the likes of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are others who have been unavailable at different times.

In fairness, Erik ten Hag's side have done well to tackle these problems, winning five of their last six Premier League games., despite having so many defenders out of contention. While Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have largely performed well of late, including in Sunday's 3-0 victory away to Everton, it is clear that reinforcements are needed at the back, with neither representing the future at Old Trafford.

United have been linked with various centre-back options in recent times, with Sporting CP youngster Goncalo Inacio one player who has emerged as a potential addition at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, a broader report has claimed that the Red Devils are prioritising the signing of a central defender in January.

"Incredible" Man Utd player lined up for shock move amid frustration at ETH

Manchester United could offload one of their first-team stars in January….

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 27, 2023 Man Utd want Marc Guehi

According to Football Insider, Manchester United have made Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi their main January target in defence, seeing him a great option to boost Ten Hag's back-line.

"Man United are planning a January move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, sources have told Football Insider. The centre-back, 23, is firmly on the radar of the Premier League giants ahead of the winter window.

"A senior source has told Football Insider that Guehi is the 'number one target' for United going into January. The club are keeping close tabs on the England international and doing background checks."

Guehi is someone who looks like a perfect centre-back choice for United in the January window, with the 23-year-old becoming such a consistent performer for Palace in recent years, arguably making Chelsea look foolish for deciding to sell him to the Eagles back in 2021.

The United transfer target is enjoying an excellent individual season once again in 2023/24, having a 89.3% pass completion rate across 12 Premier League appearances, as well as averaging 4.8 clearances, 1.4 aerial duels and 1.2 tackles per game in the competition.

Pass completion rate

89.3%

Clearances per game

4.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.4

Tackles per game

1.2

Guehi could even feel that moving to Old Trafford increases his chances of featuring prominently for England at Euro 2024 next summer, potentially even taking Maguire's place in the Three Lions' starting lineup. He would be noticed more playing for one of the biggest teams in the country, and he could immediately come in as an upgrade on the former Red Devils captain.

The Palace ace has been hailed as both "massive" and an "absolute tank" by former Stoke City goalkeeper Josef Bursik in the past, having played together for England's Under-21s, and at 23 years of age, he should only get better as the years pass, possibly even proving to be a key man at United for the next decade.

West Ham United could be in line for a mega-money windfall as journalist Pete O’Rourke shares some news on minority shareholder Daniel Kretinsky.

The Lowdown: Kretinsky becomes stakeholder…

In 2021, the Czech billionaire completed his purchase of a 27% stake in West Ham, giving the club a financial boost off-the-field and adding to their pool of investors.

The deal was worth around £180 million-£200 million, and it was a move which propelled Kretinsky on to the West Ham board – making him the second-largest shareholder.

There have been murmurs that the Sparta Prague owner could well increase his stake with Kretinsky agreeing the  option to instigate a full takeover in his 2021 deal.

The Latest: West Ham in line for Kretinsky windfall?

As per journalist O’Rourke, writing for Football Insider, Kretinsky is now keen to increase his stake with a new £150 million investment.

The magnate is apparently interested in acquiring David Gold’s shares with the former West Ham chief having sadly passed away in January.

A £150m+ deal for Gold’s shares would bring Kretinsky’s stake up to 52%, making him the majority shareholder, with O’Rourke suggesting this could happen ‘as soon as this season’.

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The Verdict: Good news?

Of course, this could be good news for West Ham and supporters who have specifically taken issue with club hierarchy in recent seasons.

There have been fierce protests in the last two seasons, fracturing the relationship between fans and ownership, and especially after the club moved to the London Stadium from their previous Boleyn Ground.

As West Ham battle relegation on the pitch, they could be overdue a promising development off the field, with a £150m+ windfall certainly coming as just that.

It will be interesting to see if this development does indeed come to fruition before the end of this season.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke has shared when Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane could quit Spurs with talks over his sale "set to accelerate".

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

The 29-year-old is currently attracting real interest from a host of top clubs both in Europe and domestically, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain and league rivals Man United linked.

Kane's contract is slowly winding down as he enters the final 12 months of his Spurs deal, and with no sign of an extension despite a mammoth reported contract offer, chairman Daniel Levy may well have to contemplate selling this window.

This isn't the first time he's been linked with a move away from north London, as treble-winners Man City attempted to sign him all the way back in 2021, even making bids in excess of £100 million.

Ange Posteocoglou, speaking on the rumours of Kane potentially leaving, admitted that the saga is an unwelcome distraction during his pre-season preparations.

"Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said Postecoglou to the media recently.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club."

Bayern in particular are thought to be hot on Kane's trail with Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol recently saying on a live broadcast that they're growing increasingly confident.

Now, O'Rourke has shared his own update in a piece for Football Insider. The journalist writes that Kane could be out the door pretty soon, giving a timeline of exactly when he could depart.

O'Rourke suggests that the forward may quit Tottenham before the start of next season, specifically August 13 when Spurs take on Brentford in their Premier League opener.

He adds that negotiations over the sale of Kane are "set to accelerate" with Levy now willing to cash in on their talismanic star.

How good is Harry Kane?

Having scored 30 league goals in 38 starts last season, Kane's importance to this Spurs side is unparalleled.

The Three Lions superstar became England's all-time top goalscorer recently, beating Wayne Rooney's previous record, while Kane is also Tottenham's best ever goalscorer after overtaking the legendary Jimmy Greaves.

"We are talking about a world class striker,” said former Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte last season.

“He deserves the best because he's a great worker, hard worker… this is not normal because usually the players that have talent many times don't like to work hard because they have talent.

"“In my career I didn't have great talent [so] for this reason I worked hard. What I liked about him from the first time was his ability. He was a big example for his team-mates.

“When you see him work in this way, and for sure you have the desire to continue to work, to work very hard."

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and they appear to have the advantage over one Premier League rival when it comes to a potential transfer.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been busy so far this summer with big-money moves for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. There could be further business before the September 1 deadline, though, however, that may depend on any Old Trafford departures.

A new midfielder could be on the cards should a number of players move on, with Sofyan Amrabat and Amadou Onana two players heavily linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Another player who has been of interest earlier in the year is Gravenberch, and it looks as if United could be back in for the 21-year-old.

According to Foot Mercato, Man United, alongside rivals Liverpool, ‘have reactivated the track leading to the Dutch international’. The report claims that no offer has been made so far, however, Gravenberch, should he leave Munich, would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Anfield.

Who is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027. The Netherlands U21 international left Ajax for Bayern Munich just last year and has made 33 appearances for the Bundesliga champions.

Prior to that, Gravenberch, on £152,000-a-week, made more than 100 appearances for Ajax so has played plenty of first team football early into his career.

He has also came in for praise from former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who suggested last year that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers", saying:

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Therefore, should Man United miss out on Amrabat or Onana, then perhaps a move for Gravenberch could be one to watch and a potential shrewd transfer by Old Trafford chiefs.

You’d expect he’ll only get better with age, and he has already worked under Ten Hag in the Netherlands, with all of his Ajax appearances coming under the United manager.

The 6ft 2 midfielder has been compared to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham over the past 12 months, as per FBref, and statistically, has also impressed.

Compared to midfielders, Gravenberch has ranked in the top 10% for tackles in midfield and attacking zones, shot-creating actions and long pass completion, showing his ability in a number of areas. He also ranks highly for carries into the final third and progressive passes received, so Ten Hag may view the midfielder as an ideal addition to challenge the likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen, making this one to watch.

After a positive period of progression under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal could be close to falling into a trap of the past, with the latest reports speculating an unexpected exit for one of the Emirates’ biggest stars.

The Gunners have had a successful summer of business so far, welcoming four talents in various positions as Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar aim to bolster the squad available for the 2023/24 campaign.

While gaining the maximum six points from their opening two fixtures and recruiting well this window has added to the highs, the north Londoners could suffer a blow if recent reports are to be believed.

Who could Arsenal sell this summer?

After bidding farewell to Matt Turner, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Auston Trusty and Pablo Mari, Arteta has offloaded some of the less valued members of the squad, besides Granit Xhaka, who opted for a new challenge in the Bundesliga.

There remains speculation over the future of Folarin Balogun, who is yet to be named in the squad under the manager since pre-season, with the United States international expected to leave north London before the end of the window.

Worrying news emerged on social media this week, as journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan reported via sources of Al Jazeera that representatives of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad Club met with Gabriel Magalhaes in London.

The reporter claimed that talks between them and the Brazilian were ‘proceeding positively’, with questions over his future reinforced by him starting on the bench against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Meanwhile, according to the Daily Mail, LaLiga giants Real Madrid are also keen to sign Gabriel, in a bid to solve their defensive injury crisis, so he's clearly a man in demand heading into the final two weeks of the transfer window.

How important is Gabriel Magalhaes to Arsenal?

Last campaign, the £100k-per-week centre-back featured in all 38 of the Gunners’ Premier League fixtures, contributing to 14 clean sheets and being a reliable figure in central defence alongside William Saliba.

Following the Frenchman’s injury, the 25-year-old remained consistent and commanding, proving to be one of the most integral players in Arteta’s squad.

Despite speculation being cooled by the Spaniard, the potential of losing Gabriel could be a repeat of former sales that have shocked the club in the past, not as much of a blow in recent times as Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean registered 125 goals and assists in 166 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 80 and assisting 45, prevailing as one of the best players of the Emirates era.

Despite holding such importance in the squad at the time, the winger was sold to Manchester United in 2018, leaving Arsenal without an explosive figure that was destined for greatness at the club.

Selling a player as crucial as Gabriel, who has been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Jason Soutar, could replicate the despondency caused by the sale of Sanchez, who had a similar status in north London.

The 25-year-old’s influence on the defence and his ability to mould into the defender that Arteta desired in his set-up is evident through his numbers, with him being a competent ball player and anchor in the back line.

As per FBref, last season the Brazilian maintained an average pass completion rate of 89.4%, while making an average of 4.04 progressive passes per 90 and winning 63% of his total duels per game, to showcase the complete nature of his role.

Edu could, therefore, sanction a nightmare should the former Lille titan depart north London for the lucrative lights of the Saudi Pro League or the prestige of the Santiago Bernabeu.

It would be a piece of business that could take those associated with the club back to the lows of the Sanchez departure.

Chelsea have missed out on a transfer target, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano sharing news that the player is poised to remain at his club instead.

Enzo Maresca has watched BlueCo orchestrate a fairly productive transfer market thus far.

Maresca is now pushing Chelsea to sign £150k-per-week World Cup winner

The Italian and his staff are big fans.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

The Blues sealed a £30 million move for highly-rated young English striker Liam Delap, who’s already got on the scoresheet with his first-ever goal for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, and it is believed that optimism is growing over a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

They haven’t had it all their own way, though, as Dortmund rejected three bids from Chelsea for the 20-year-old before the last transfer deadline on June 10.

Chelsea also failed with an attempt to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with the Rossoneri insisting on a far higher price tag than Maresca’s side were willing to pay, and talks surrounding a pre-CWC move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké didn’t go anywhere either.

Maresca’s side are in the market for a centre-back too, but according to Romano, they’ll have to move on from Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who’s now been added to the list of players who Chelsea won’t be signing.

Jarrad Branthwaite set to reject Chelsea and sign new Everton deal

Earlier this month, journalist Simon Phillips reported that Chelsea were planning to push for Branthwaite, and there was a possibility that the 23-year-old could ask to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides,” said Phillips.

“We’ve also heard that he is a little frustrated, on Everton putting such a big valuation on his head. We had initially heard that Branthwaite would not actively push for a move. But it has now transpired that he is keen on Chelsea and could end up asking for the move.”

However, despite Chelsea’s intention, the £70 million-rated centre-back has just been put out of Maresca’s reach.

Romano confirms that Branthwaite will commit his future to Everton by signing a new long-term deal until 2030, dealing a blow to Chelsea and other suitors, who are poised to miss out on the Englishman tipped for a very bright future.

The former PSV Eindhoven loanee was also a wanted man at Tottenham, according to some reports, but any potential move to London will have to be put on the back-burner for a long while.

Crystal Palace have made a strong start to their Premier League campaign, defeating Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and despite tasting a narrow loss against Arsenal, followed that up with a respectable point at Brentford and a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolves.

For their strong start to the season, the Eagles have soared up the league table without significantly strengthening in the transfer window compared to their rivals.

Who did Crystal Palace sign this summer?

Making four acquisitions for a combined cost of £32m, it's fair to say that the purse strings have been tight at Selhurst Park this summer having ended the window without a direct replacement for Wilfred Zaha.

Although Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are more than capable of shouldering the weight of goal contributions in his absence, the lack of ambition shown in this window was underwhelming to say the least.

Palace brought in attacking midfielder Matheus Franca, box-to-box midfielder Jefferson Lerma, goalkeeper Dean Henderson and lastly, centre-back Rob Holding.

For all of his top-flight experience at Arsenal, it was the latter of those signings who raised the most eyebrows and that isn't surprising given his career has gone on a downward spiral recently.

How many games did Rob Holding play for Arsenal?

In his seven-year stay at Arsenal, Holding made 162 appearances and scored five goals but has never really shown the ability to become a regular starter for the Gunners.

He was frozen out for the majority of last season, until star defender William Saliba sustained an injury in April and the Englishman was entrusted into the starting XI, going on to make seven starts in the last month of the season.

Despite scoring a consolation in the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City, Holding has struggled to become the ball-playing defender that Mikel Arteta desires, ultimately leaving him surplus to requirements.

During the Gunner's London derby defeat against Tottenham in May, which was a result that handed Man City the initiative in the title race, Holding's reckless sending off for making two silly fouls cost his team in their biggest match of the season.

After the game, many pundits heavily criticised Holding as Jamie Redknapp made his thoughts known on Sky Sports.

He said: "'That's a silly thing, he's doing judo moves on the football field. Then he gets caught again, and it becomes an accumulation."

With Holding enduring a reckless end to his Arsenal career, a fresh start in the Premier League is what he needed and got, but it still begs the question as to why Palace didn't take up their interest in fellow Gunner Takehiro Tomiyasu, who would have been a huge upgrade on the Englishman.

How good is Takehiro Tomiyasu?

According to a Daily Mail report in late August, Palace were showing an interest in signing Tomiyasu but following the injury to Jurrien Timber, Arsenal were reluctant to sell the Japan international.

Since joining the club from Bologna two years ago, the £55k per-week "warrior" – as he was once lauded by former teammate Mitchell Dijks – has gone on to make 56 appearances under Arteta and during the 21/22 season, Tomiyasu made 20 Premier League starts. He was impressive during that spell, averaging an impressive 1.7 tackles per game, completing 60% of his dribbles and winning 55% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

However, after a promising debut season, his second term was hampered by separate knee and calf problems, making only 21 appearances in the top flight with the majority of those coming from the bench.

Despite this, the 33-cap titan has still been highly regarded by many during his time at north London with Martin Keown waxing lyrical about his performance against PSV in the Europa League last season, saying:

“Tomiyasu is probably Arsenal’s best out-and-out defender, in a one-on-one situation. Look at how dominant he is in the air. He’s a big boy actually. They have dealt with that problem [of Gakpo] really well,” he told BT Sport.

Keown's comments are supported by Tomiyasu's defensive and attacking metrics, ranking highly when compared against his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for the former of those. He places in the top 10% for tackles per 90, top 19% for interceptions per 90 and top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, via FBref.

While his defensive capabilities shine through, his ability to progress the ball up the field is second to none, ranking in the top 8% for passes completed and the best 1% for progressive carries.

In a Crystal Palace team that has to do a lot of defending, Tomiyasu would excel at both winning possession back and being proactive with it, unlike Holding, who falls well below his former teammate for those aspects of his game.

During the last 365 days, Holding has only recorded one tackle per 90, 0.69 interceptions per 90 while falling lower for progressive passes than Tomiyasu (4.37/7.76) and progressive carries (0.54/2.00).

When being tasked to defend, the 27-year-old has fallen well short in the past year and will find it difficult to dislodge Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen, who are forming an indispensable partnership at the heart of the Eagles' defence. Indeed, the former has played so well over the last year that he's now in and around the England squad, even being touted at an eye-watering £50m during the summer window.

Although Holding and Tomiyasu predominantly play different positions across the back line, the defensive solidity and dependability that the Japan international would have brought to Selhurst Park is levels ahead of the declining Englishman. After all, the latter does present you with more versatility too, boasting the ability to play in the centre-back role and on both sides as a full-back.

Sunderland have reportedly held talks over a move for Fulham striker Jay Stansfield, but the Black Cats aren’t the only club keen on the forward.

Are Sunderland signing a striker?

Tony Mowbray and those at The Stadium of Light have brought in six new players so far this summer in Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham, Eliezer Mayenda, Nectarios Triantis, Bradley Dack and Luis Semedo.

However, the club have been on the search to sign a new forward for a number of weeks now, with Bellingham and Dack, primarily midfielders, occupying attacking roles in the 2-1 win over Rotherham United last time out. Bellingham was the match-winner with two goals, however, Mowbray admitted he wants to bring in a new striker who can run in behind.

"We're trying to control the game on most occasions, and then it's about seeing whether teams are going to press or sit off in a block.

"That's why ultimately you need some mobility at the top end because if people are sitting in a mid-block and your centre-half doesn't think they can get through the lines, sometimes you have to go over the top with some speed and some threat.

"At the moment that's what's missing from this team, because that's not really Hemir or Dack's game. Jobe has that powerful running action that can pressure people, of course, but it's not necessarily speed.

"If we can get a striker in who wants to run in behind and wants to stretch them, it'll give us more space us to play in – that'll help us create more chances and win more games."

It looks as if the club are now working on a move for Stansfield, with The Sunderland Echo reporting that talks have been held with Fulham over a loan move. However, the report adds that several other clubs are also keen on bringing in Stansfield before the deadline.

Who is Jay Stansfield?

Stansfield initially came through the academy at Exeter City before moving to Fulham in 2019. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to make eight senior appearances for Fulham and spent last season back in Devon on loan with Exeter.

The forward contributed to 17 goals in 39 games in all competitions for the League One side and is now into the final 12 months of his Fulham contract, although the top-flight side have the option to extend that by a further year.

Kevin McDonald, who played alongside Stansfield at Exeter, praised the player as a forward who has "got it all".

“He's a top, top guy; he's willing to learn every single game and barely ever complains. We get on well and he's a good laugh too. He's technically gifted and a lovely finisher.

“He knows he needs to bulk up as such and he will over time. He's got it all, though. I said that when I was back there [at Fulham] a couple of years ago and even more so now.”

A loan move to a Championship side appears to make sense for Stansfield as he continues his development, and by the looks of things, that could be with Sunderland following discussions over a transfer.

Arsenal secured their first piece of silverware of the season yesterday, but had to do so without their main marksman once again…

Is Gabriel Jesus injured?

With Gabriel Jesus having undergone knee surgery just last week, the Brazilian limped about Wembley Stadium as he watched his side battle from a goal down to defeat Manchester City on penalties.

Whilst the initial synopsis suggested his absence would only stretch to "a few weeks", when he suffered the same fate in December 2022, he did not play again until mid-March.

Therefore, the recent report by TEAMtalk makes perfect sense, as it notes that the Gunners have enquired about the possibility of signing Montpellier forward Elye Wahi.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

With the persisting ailments plaguing the 26-year-old, perhaps such an acquisition could prove instrumental in ensuring there is little to no drop in quality when Jesus inevitably gets injured again during the campaign. However, it is noted that the French outfit will demand a lofty fee of €40m (£34m) for his services.

How good is Elye Wahi?

When fit, few forwards suit Mikel Arteta's system as perfectly as Jesus. He is tricky, deceptively strong, creative and clinical, with the athleticism and intelligence to lead a press too.

Last campaign also saw him post 11 goals and assist a further seven across just 26 Premier League appearances, outlining how their offensive threat skyrockets when he is in the team.

However, peering back through his entire injury history, it is clear to see that the recent bout of trauma is not merely misfortune. He has a record of struggling with his fitness, and therefore it could be argued that he alone cannot be trusted to lead the line for a full campaign.

That suggests that the potential swoop for Wahi could prove incredibly profitable, to offer a fine alternative for when Jesus is absent, and potentially one day usurp him.

After all, he does show steady signs of improvement with each passing year, thriving in his homeland with pace, power and prolific finishing.

Last season saw the 20-year-old post 19 goals and assist a further six in Ligue 1 alone, building upon his ten-goal haul from the term prior. Given his natural goalscoring progression, the 2023/24 season could see the Frenchman shatter records.

However, Wahi offers far more than just a focal point, as his speed and link-up play is mightily impressive for someone so young. Whilst he might offer a wildly different style to Jesus, he could prove just as effective in leading that press that makes the Brazilian so invaluable.

The young forward posted 0.7 key passes per game last campaign in the French top-flight, alongside an admirable 71% pass accuracy to emphasise his ability to bring others into the game, via Sofascore.

Ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo has also emphasised his physical assets in the past, stating: "He is a powerful, athletic and fast player with a range of dribbling skills where only he knows what he is going to do next."

After that fine showing against their title rivals, Arteta seemingly has little to worry about going into the new Premier League season. However, the fitness of Jesus remains a sole issue that could be solved with one final foray into the market.

Manchester United are keen on signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but they may have to do battle for his signature with one of their Premier League rivals…

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

As a result of his public fallout with Erik ten Hag, Jadon Sancho will look to leave Man United in the January transfer window, with the winger expected to leave on loan initially, before making a permanent exit from Old Trafford next summer.

Sancho is not in the manager's plans at the moment, with the 23-year-old not being named in the squad for the recent trip to the Emirates Stadium, while Antony has been given a leave of absence, amid off-field allegations.

Having recently left PSV Eindhoven by mutual consent, Anwar El Ghazi has now emerged as a target for the Red Devils, with the Dutchman available on a free transfer, but he is not the only player on Ten Hag's shortlist.

According to reports from Spain (via The Hard Tackle), Man United are looking for a right-winger who can "stand out in the short and long term", and Williams fits the bill, but he is a "highly sought after" asset ahead of next summer's transfer window.

Not only are United keen, but Barcelona and Liverpool are also interested, with Jurgen Klopp eyeing a right-winger who can take the place of Mohamed Salah, who is being tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia.

The Athletic Bilbao winger's contract is set to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign, at which point three of Europe's top clubs are set to do battle for his signature.

The report makes it clear that Man United's interest stems from the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Antony and Sancho, and Ten Hag's poor relationship with the latter player could open the door to Williams' arrival.

What position does Nico Williams play?

The 21-year-old is capable of playing on either flank, but he has predominantly featured on the right wing during his time with Athletic Bilbao, weighing in with 17 goals and 20 assists in 71 appearances in that area of the pitch.

Scout Antonio Mango has previously explained why the Spaniard prefers playing on that side, saying:

"Nico is best suited on the right because he likes to cut inside a lot, looking to either carve a shot out for himself, dribble past opponents or cross into the box. Nico excels is his close ball-control dribbling, he ghosts past opposition as if they weren’t there.

Mango has also lauded the Bilbao starlet as "extremely dangerous", which is demonstrated by the fact he ranks in the 92nd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

The Pamplona-born winger has made a flying start to the current season, recording four assists in his opening four La Liga games, and it is no wonder so many top clubs are queuing up for his signature next summer.

It is exciting news that Man United are one of the teams in the race for Williams, and they should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season.