04 January 2023 , 03:00
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Manchester United are trying to get their January transfer window going after deflating start.
The Red Devils were infamously gazumped by arch-enemies Liverpool over Christmas and as fans witnessed their move Cody Gakpo be humiliating hijacked, only for it to emerge that United lacked the immediate funds to compete with the rivals' offer. With the Glazer family looking to sell the club in the first quarter of 2023, United chiefs are keeping the purse strings tight this month.
But that doesn't mean to say there there won't be any business done. Erik ten Hag has made it crystal clear that he wants to sign a forward before January 31, and while Atletico Madrid 's lofty loan demands for Joao Felix may have killed that potential deal, there're plenty more options elsewhere.
Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Old Trafford.
United 'lead' Thuram race
Manchester United are the favourites to sign Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach, according to La Republicca. The Italian outlet claim that Erik ten Hag admires the 25-year-old French forward and coupled with Thuram's desire to play in the Premier League, the Red Devils lead Inter Milan and Bayern Munich in the race to sign him.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
Like Inter and Bayern, though, United aren't keen to pay Gladbach's €15million (£13.2m) asking price considering that the France international only has six months left on his contract. It's claimed that Inter are leaning towards a free transfer at the end of the season after already offering Thuram a four-year contract.
Man Utd reportedly lead the race for Marcus Thuram (Christian Verheyen/Borussia Moenchengladbach via Getty Images)Xavi lays out Depay stance
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez doesn't want to see Memphis Depay depart in the January transfer window. The Dutch forward, who turns 29 in February, has been tipped for a return to Old Trafford five years after leaving for Lyon and reforging his career.
Although Barca's perilous financial predicament could force Xavi to part ways with Depay, he wants his No.14 to stay. "I have said I don't want anyone to leave, I'm delighted with the squad," the Spanish coach stated, via ESPN. "It won't be an active window for us. Memphis' attitude is always good, he can help in attack: scoring, assisting... He will have minutes like everyone."
Xavi doesn't want to sell Memphis Depay (Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Have your say! Should Man Utd consider re-signing Memphis Depay? Join the debate in the comments section.
Sommer 'requests' Bayern move
Borusssia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer has reportedly told his current club that he wants to join Bayern Munich this month. United had been monitoring the 34-year-old Switzerland international's situation, with his contract set to expire in June.
According to German outlet Suddeutsche Zeitung, though, Sommer wants to sign for Bayern and become their short-term replacement for Manuel Neuer, who's currently out injured. The Swiss would've been available on a free transfer.