Man Utd set 'astronomical' asking price as first January transfer confirmed

02 January 2024 , 03:00

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It's often been a case of one step forward, two steps back for Manchester United so far this season.

So Erik ten Hag will no doubt be hopeful a new year will bring a fresh start for his team and considerably more consistency as they start 2024 playing catch up on the Premier League big boys. The gloss of comeback victory over Aston Villa was quickly washed off by a shock defeat at Nottingham Forest.

And Ten Hag remains precariously clinging to his job under mounting pressure and the watchful gaze of new minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe. With the January transfer window open, will United's new football operations team back the boss? Here Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest rumours around Old Trafford.

Donny departs

United have completed their first exit of the January transfer window to get the ball rolling as Donny van de Beek moves on to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Dutch midfielder looks to have finally put an end to his nightmare spell at Old Trafford, as he heads to the Bundesliga on an initial loan deal, though Frankfurt hold the option of making the move permanent next summer for a cut-price fee.

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

Man Utd set 'astronomical' asking price as first January transfer confirmed

Donny van de Beek has left Manchester United on loan (PA)

It would represent a significant financial loss for United should Van de Beek - who has already had one failed loan spell at Everton - do enough to convince Frankfurt to activate the clause in the summer.

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'Astronomical' Yoro fee demanded

United will have to stump up the cash if they want to persuade Lille to part company with Leny Yoro.

Lille's Leny Yoro has been linked with a move to Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)

Centre-back Yoro, 18, has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford either this month or in the summer, though United could face competition for Manchester City for the in-demand youngster, reports Le10Sport (via Sport Witness ).

In any event, United's hands are tied in January as Lille have slapped an 'astronomical' figure to let Yoro go, which would prove virtually impossible for the Red Devils without selling players of their own as they continue to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Varane feels he's being forced out

Raphael Varane's Manchester United contract is up in June (Graham Wilson/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should United let Varane go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

While United are seeking out potential defensive reinforcements, Raphael Varane looks to be heading out of the exit door in the next six months.

The French World Cup winner's contract expires in June. United have the option to extend his deal by a further year, but reports claim they are prepared to bid farewell and let Varane go for nothing in the summer.

The Manchester Evening News now claims Varane feels he is being forced out of the club and the former Real Madrid star has been 'unimpressed' with the 'instability' inside the corridors of Old Trafford.

Read the full story here.