The final few days of the transfer days are approaching and it has been a very quiet one for Manchester United when it comes to incomings.
Manchester United have not signed a single player this transfer window, and it remains unclear if this will change before next week’s transfer deadline.
A predictable injury to Anthony Martial could potentially act as the trigger for a late move, with striker an area where the club were already low on numbers.
United In Focus spoke to HITC Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey to see what the next few days might hold, and on other topics including Ineos’ recent acquisition of new chief executive Omar Berrada.
Manchester United transfer latest
Manchester United acted swiftly to sign a replacement for injured midfielder Christian Eriksen last January, adding Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day.
While this cannot be ruled out, Manchester United are not indicating they are in the market for a new player at present as a quick fix.
Graeme Bailey explains: “The message on recruitment is ‘nothing has changed’, but… it’s a never say never. They were on Choupo-Moting, they do like him.
“If he was available from Bayern they would have probably taken him, and they probably would if he came up.”
Currently Choupo-Moting is regarded as one of Bayern Munich’s back-up options for Harry Kane. United would have to find a way to tempt Bayern into a deal.
Another name who has cropped up is Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, with a surprise departure possible this month.
Bailey says: “Callum Wilson’s a very interesting one. The more you think about him, Hojlund would learn off him, but what are your plans for the future with Callum Wilson?
“Newcastle are publicly denying that he’s available but obviously that isn’t the case behind the scenes. Atletico Madrid didn’t just make an offer out of chance. They were told by someone that Callum Wilson’s available and that’s where this has all stemmed from.
“They turned down a loan bid but will he be available permanently, I think he is, that’s the message we are getting. £18 million. Callum Wilson is on big money, he’s signed a new deal, he’s one of Newcastle’s highest-paid players, it doesn’t fit in with United’s long-term view, but do you bring in someone for short-term? I guess that depends on what the coaching staff are saying.”
He also explained: “They are briefing that there are no major changes in their recruitment,” before adding that United’s actions might end up being different to their words at this stage, commenting: “A Weghorst/Sabitzer type signing I wouldn’t rule out at all.”
Giorgio Scalvini signs new deal at Atalanta
One player Manchester United hold an interest in for the summer is Giorgio Scalvini, with HITC Football reporting the Red Devils have been scouting the defender for 12 months.
This week Scalvini signed a new contract with Atalanta, however, Bailey does not expect this to deter United at all, or prevent a summer departure.
He explained: “They are just rewarding him for his progress and that ensures Atalanta’s value, I don’t think that changes anything if United want him in the summer.
“It’s just a reward, he’s a full international now. Very good player, very high on United’s radar.”
Ineos hire Omar Berrada and how he fits in
Manchester United have appointed Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive, a surprise move which left many shocked at the shrewd, clinical way new investors Ineos pulled off such a coup.
We asked how precisely Berrada might fit into Ineos’ new hierarchy and about what his skillset can bring to the club.
Bailey explains: “Ineos had their eyes on him. We understand Jean-Claude Blanc did have a say in Berrada, recommending him for this role.
“I’ve seen a lot of people speculating he [Berrada] was involved in deals for Haaland and Grealish, I’m hearing that is quite way wide of the mark. He’s not that type of person, football focused. He’s a marketing man, he’s the former head of sponsorship at Barcelona, that’s his area of expertise, I would liken him to a Peter Kenyon.
“If he wants to do the big deals he can play a part, but he’s more commercial, the plan very much is to bring Dan Ashworth in, and a head of recruitment, Paul Mitchell maybe. That is still the plan for Ineos.”
What is the latest on Dan Ashworth
Dan Ashworth is still at Newcastle United, and while Manchester United’s interest has not been denied, the situation has not publicly moved forward over the past few weeks.
We asked how patient Manchester United are prepared to be to get their first choice sporting director.
Bailey explains: “It’s more likely than not, that he comes. That’s still what we are hearing, that Ashworth is still the one.
“Once we get January out the way it should accelerate. I think we will see Ashworth and Berrada reporting to Brailsford, who then reports to Ratcliffe and Blanc. They’ll be in charge.
“Brailsford really wants Ashworth, I think he waits for him. I think Ashworth does want to come. The way Newcastle are phrasing it is their chief executive Darren Eales saying ‘I hope he stays’.”
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
