Manchester United’s move for Amad Diallo is all expected to go ahead as planned in January.
The Guardian reported Diallo has obtained his Italian passport, required to obtain a work permit.
Another interesting nugget in the report is that Juventus reportedly were keen to sign the teenager.
The Italian champions had identified Diallo as a star of the future, but did not pay the money Atalanta were seeking.
United have committed to a deal which could cost up to £37 million if all add-ons are activated.
Slight delay expected
While The Guardian claim Diallo will fly to England in early January, The Times says the deal may not be signed off the moment the calendar changes.
After obtaining his Italian passport, United have now applied to the FA for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).
Once the FA sign this off, United have to formally apply for a work permit to the Home Office.
This is expected to be granted without any hitches, however, it could take a couple of weeks, or more.
The Times report: “The process will take some time so United do not expect the winger to arrive on January 1. Instead it is thought that he will join later next month.”
The good news is Diallo will not be required to quarantine as he is already in an ‘elite sports bubble’ at Atalanta.
Worth the wait
Diallo’s move to United will go through in January. It may not go through in time for him to feature in the FA Cup game with Watford on January 9.
Perhaps it was fanciful he could have played in that match anyway. If United get through and have a favourable fourth round draw later in the month, an appearance could beckon then.
Notable other dates are January 18 and January 30; United’s two under-23 matches in January. United will want to get Diallo in to feature in at least one of those.
There may be some dreaming of him coming off the bench for the first team to score a winner at Anfield on January 17. There’s a small chance, but it could be that his move is only being signed off then, if the paperwork takes time for the FA and Home Office to green light.
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