As the deals start to process in the January transfer window, sparks of an upcoming right-back for the Red Devils look brighter than ever, with full-backs Rafael Da Silva and Luke Shaw adding to the injury crisis following the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Yeovil Town. Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia remain out of action, meaning Louis Van Gaal’s options are now limited at the back.
Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot heading to Premier League?
With rumours of a new central midfielder at Old Trafford ever-present, Paris Saint-Germain’s 19-year-old wonderkid Adrien Rabiot is the freshest star to be linked with a switch to the Premier League. The youngster’s future in the French capital has been subject to considerable speculation in recent months, and has been regularly linked to a move away from Ligue 1 with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly interested, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid.
However, manager Laurent Blanc has dealt a colossal blow to the English quartet according to the Daily Star, insisting he wishes to keep the coveted midfielder at his availability. He said: "I've always said he's a boy I want to keep. My position is clear. He re-signed. He is part of the future of PSG. He is doing well after the first half of the season but it's very complicated on a personal level for him. I would like to keep him but this is a very complicated issue. I'll see if Adrian will be with us or not at the end of January. I want to keep him in the squad. I cannot be clearer."
£15 million release clause for Wesley Sneidjer?
Developments have also taken place in the Wesley Sneidjer scenario, as Turkish side Galatasaray have slapped a £15 million price tag on the Dutch midfielder. United are believed to be leading the chase for the 30-year-old, according to talkSPORT, despite claims from his agent, Guido Albers, he is happy in Turkey.
The former Inter Milan star’s agent told Sport Mediaset: "The Turkish club don't want to sell him. Wesley loves the club and the fans, and neither he nor his wife want to leave Istanbul. Those who are interested need to speak to Galatasaray and meet the buy-out clause of €20 million."
Nick Powell to carry hefty loan fee to Championship?
Vital Football have reported on potential transfer activity out of Carrington, involving recently returned attacking midfielder Nick Powell. After struggling on loan to relegation strugglers Leicester City, securing just 40 minutes of game time, it is expected the Red Devils will place a heavy loan fee on the Crewe Alexandra youth product to ensure he gains valuable experience.
Several Championships are said to be interested, with Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Watford all potentially eyeing up deals for the youngster, who previously spent the season on loan with Wigan Athletic. Powell is expected to be loaned out for the remainder of the season, and could be heading out to the lower leagues in the coming weeks temporarily.
In Other News
Elsewhere, IBTimes are suggesting United are agonizingly close to securing a deal for Mats Hummels, as initially reported yesterday, while Soccerisma are reporting that Frenchman Paul Pogba is close to putting pen-to-paper at Old Trafford once again. Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane continues to be linked to a switch to Manchester, according to Sport Witness.