Manchester United continue to be the centre of plenty of January transfer window speculation.

Erik ten Hag's side are likely to be active in the transfer market following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit.

United are in the mix for a top-four finish but want to bolster their squad in January to boost their chances.

TOP STORY – MAN UTD TO OFFER €4M FOR WANTAWAY ATLETICO STAR

Manchester United are some way from making an agreement with Atletico Madrid on a loan deal for Joao Felix, with the Red Devils prepared to offer only €4million (£3.5m), reports Relevo.

According to the report, Atleti want €12-13m (£10.6m-£11.4m) for the 23-year-old Portuguese striker.

There has been no shortage of clubs linked with Felix, including Arsenal, but United are firmly in the mix for a cut-price forward option.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea are willing to beat any offer Arsenal make for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the Independent. The Mail claims the Ukrainian club will turn down Arsenal's latest £62m offer.

–  Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the availability of Real Madrid's 18-year-old Nico Paz, claims Defensa Central. Real Valladolid and Getafe are also keen on taking him on loan.

– Sky Germany reports Liverpool's Roberto Firmino is drawing interest from Saudi Arabian clubs but the Brazilian is leaning towards extending his Anfield stay.

– Sport claims Barcelona will sign Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in mid-year.

– Barcelona are willing to let 20-year-old midfielder Ansu Fati go out on loan during the January transfer window to make space for new signings, reports Fichajes.

– Fabrizio Romano reports that Ajax have reached full agreement with Villarreal on a deal for Argentinian goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who will travel to Amsterdam to sign and undergo medical tests in the next 24 hours.

– Manchester United have missed out on signing Borussia Monchengladbach's Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer who has reached a verbal agreement to join Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany.

Antony has returned to Manchester United training after missing Tuesday's Premier League win over Bournemouth.

The winger was absent for Erik ten Hag's side at Old Trafford, with the manager simply stating he was injured.

But ahead of Friday's FA Cup clash with Everton, the club revealed Antony had been training on Wednesday, putting concerns to rest over any lingering problems.

Antony netted in his first three Premier League games for the Red Devils following his arrival at the start of the campaign, although he has not scored again since then.

The Brazil international's most recent goal came against Everton, and he will hope to be involved against the Toffees this week.

However, it appears former Everton loanee Donny van de Beek is set for a spell on the sidelines.

In just his second league start of the season, the midfielder was on the receiving end of a brutal challenge from Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.

Ten Hag was unable to disclose the extent of the issue in his post-match comments, acknowledging: "We need to wait 24 hours. But it is not looking very good."

David de Gea is confident of securing a new deal with Manchester United and has outlined his desire to spend the remainder of his career at the club.

The 32-year-old's current contract will expire at the end of the season, though United have an option to trigger a one-year extension, and there have been talks regarding an agreement for a longer renewal.

De Gea was not among the players who saw such clauses triggered earlier this month, with United extending the deals of Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Fred, but the Spain international foresees no issues in securing an agreement of his own.

"I'm very relaxed. I just focus on training, perform as best as I can. But, for sure, it's going to end in a good way," he told Sky Sports.

"I hope [to stay for the rest of my career]. I was saying this is my club, I've been here many, many years and it's a huge honour to be here and I'm so happy here."

After a slow start to the season, United have found their feet under the guidance of Erik ten Hag and have not conceded at home in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory over Arsenal in September.

Those defensive displays have seen the club open a five-point lead over Tottenham in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League and represent a significant improvement from last season, with De Gea identifying the team spirit as the major difference compared to last term.

"We were talking, everyone is ready, everyone is focused, everyone is training really well, everyone is in the same direction, so this is massive," he added.

"It doesn't matter who is playing. Even the substitutes, it doesn't matter who came in, they put everything on the pitch, we have great team spirit and for me it's great to see the players play in this way."

United are expected to be active in the transfer market this month, with Ten Hag declaring the need for an attacking addition, while Jack Butland is said to be a player of interest in the hunt for a back-up goalkeeper after Newcastle United ended Martin Dubravka's loan spell at Old Trafford.

Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Chelsea are reportedly all interested in promising Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Meslier, 22, arrived at Elland Road on loan as a 19-year-old in 2019, forcing his way into the starting role as they won the Championship and earned promotion before the club made his deal permanent for £5million.

Since then, he has become the youngest goalkeeper to reach 50 Premier League appearances, and the youngest goalkeeper to tally 10 Premier League clean sheets, earning 11 caps for France's under-21 team in the process.

His exploits – including a season-high nine saves in a 2-1 win against Liverpool in October – have caught the eye of some of Europe's big spenders, and Leeds could be forced into a tough decision sooner rather than later.

TOP STORY – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPEFULS QUEUE UP FOR LEEDS' MESLIER

According to RMC Sport, Bayern view Meslier as a potential long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, although they need the reinforcements as soon as possible due to Neuer's season-ending injury.

Leeds will be in the driver's seat in negotiations, however, with Meslier's contract tying him to the club until 2026.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle have been impressed with his performances in the Premier League and would like to add him to their ranks.

It was reported two weeks ago by the Daily Mail that Eduoard Mendy had rejected a six-year contract extension from Chelsea, which would add fuel to this fire, while it is unclear how Newcastle view Nick Pope in their long-term plans.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano is reporting Bayern, Newcastle, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain will all make a run at signing 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone at the end of the season.

– According to The Times, Brentford are in the final stages of a £22m move for 21-year-old Freiburg forward Kevin Schade.

– Chelsea will make a late charge for 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger and Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk, per Fabrizio Romano.

– Calciomercato is reporting 24-year-old Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has turned down transfers to Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the hope of landing at a bigger club.

– According to The Athletic, Manchester United could still sell right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this month despite starting in all three of United's wins since the Premier League season resumed.

Manchester United must become "smarter" after benefitting from good fortune in Tuesday's comprehensive 3-0 win against Bournemouth, according to Erik ten Hag.

United moved level with third-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League table – as well as five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham – as Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils look well set to push on for a top-four finish after winning four consecutive league games either side of the World Cup break.

But having seen David de Gea make fine saves to deny Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony when United were 2-0 up, Ten Hag was frustrated by what he perceived to be a lack of control.

"I'm happy with the result. Today it was not our best game," he told BBC Sport. "We have to be honest, we didn't play that smart as a team. 

"We made great goals, but at times we were quite lucky, and we had some great saves from David. We could have been smarter as a team.

"There were big spaces at 2-0 up, sometimes we have to keep the ball and recognise when to go for goal. That is the next step."

In-form forward Rashford was reintroduced to United's line-up, having scored the winner from the bench at Wolves on Saturday after his late arrival for a team meeting led to him being dropped.

After rounding off the victory with his late tap-in, Rashford has now scored in three successive Premier League games.

"It was, once again, a great performance from him," Ten Hag said of Rashford. 

"I said before the season, and the same with [Anthony] Martial, I believe in the goals because the [other] players will always create, so focus from minute one and the chances will come."

United's next two Premier League fixtures pit them against title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal, but Ten Hag is reluctant to look beyond Friday's FA Cup third-round tie against struggling Everton, who might well have a new manager should Frank Lampard be dismissed following a 4-1 humbling at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.

"We have to go from game to game. The next game is a cup one, but we want to win every game. That has to be the approach," he added.

"We don't want to look any further ahead, we'll focus on that, it will be a tough game. We need every energy in the preparations and when we kick off on Friday."

Manchester United strengthened their grip on a spot in the Premier League's top four as Marcus Rashford continued his fine run in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Having scored the winner from the bench at Wolves on Saturday, Rashford returned to the starting line-up at Old Trafford and capped a dominant United performance with a late tap-in.

United had earlier taken the lead when Casemiro hammered Christian Eriksen's excellent left-wing free-kick home before Luke Shaw doubled their advantage with a neat finish. 

Victory moved Erik ten Hag's side five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and level with Newcastle United, who drew against leaders Arsenal.

United took advantage of a set piece to go ahead 23 minutes in – Casemiro volleying Eriksen's delivery into the top-left corner.

Lloyd Kelly's last-ditch tackle denied Rashford while Eriksen saw another free-kick deflect over as Bournemouth avoided further damage before the break.

Bournemouth's luck ran out within four minutes of the restart as Shaw swept home a cut-back from Alejandro Garnacho, who had replaced the injured Donny van de Beek.

Anthony Martial nodded Casemiro's whipped delivery wide at the far post, though David de Gea was called upon to make strong saves to keep out Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony at the other end.

Garnacho clipped the outside of the post with a fine curling effort but United had their third when Rashford turned Bruno Fernandes' cut-back home following an outstanding pass from Shaw.

Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire were recalled to Manchester United's starting line-up for Tuesday's Premier League meeting with Bournemouth.

Rashford was named among the substitutes by Erik ten Hag for Saturday's trip to Wolves after turning up late to a team meeting.

However, the England international came off the bench to score United's winner at Molineux and was back in the team to face the Cherries at Old Trafford.

Maguire was also included from the beginning of a league match for the first time since United's 1-0 win over West Ham on October 30.

Ten Hag made four changes from the 1-0 win last time out, with Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek also handed starts.

Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane and Alejandro Garnacho dropped to the substitutes' bench, while Antony was not part of the 20-man squad.

Defender Lisandro Martinez was also named as a substitute after returning from Argentina, where he was celebrating the World Cup success in Qatar.

United started the game fourth in the Premier League after winning their past three top-flight matches.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham will all reportedly attempt to sign Inter defender Denzel Dumfries after his stellar World Cup performances for the Netherlands.

Dumfries, 26, played in all five of his country's World Cup fixtures, highlighted by a stunning display against the United States in the last 16 where he scored one and assisted two in a 3-1 win.

The marauding right-back has played in all 15 of Inter's Serie A outings this season, making 13 starts, although he has only produced a full 90 minutes on four occasions.

Despite the Italian side rejecting all bids for Dumfries in the previous transfer window, he is said to no longer be viewed as indispensable, and could be pried away for a fee of €60million.

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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are willing to accept a €60m (£53m) fee, although it remains to be seen if the amount of interest drives that price up even further.

Chelsea reportedly view Dumfries as the answer to their depth issues at right-back while Reece James battles injuries, as well as being able to play as part of a back-three.

United believe he can replace Diogo Dalot, and Tottenham feel he is a superior option to Sporting's Pedro Porro, who they had been reportedly close to securing on a €35m (£31m) deal, per the Daily Star.

ROUND-UP

– Spanish newspaper Nacional is reporting Man Utd have made an offer for 24-year-old RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo, who could cost as much as €66m (£58m).

– The Evening Standard is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea and United are not willing to pay the €11m (£10m) loan fee and €283,000 (£250,000)-per-week wages being demanded by Atletico Madrid for forward Joao Felix.

– According to 90min, Manchester City will sign 19-year-old Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone.

– Nottingham Forest will allow 25-year-old striker Emmanuel Dennis to leave the club for a fee of £10m just five months after his arrival, per The Athletic.

– The Telegraph is reporting Liverpool will investigate a potential £44m move for 24-year-old Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes at the end of the season.

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United will not be "burning money" on bringing in the wrong striker in January.

After a tough start to life as Red Devils manager, Ten Hag's team have been much improved of late and currently sit fourth in the Premier League after three straight league victories, despite being short of options up front.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in and out of the team before his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan led to his contract being mutually terminated, while Anthony Martial has struggled with injuries.

But despite the need for a centre-forward to help United's Champions League qualification bid, Ten Hag feels United must avoid the mistakes of the past by wasting finances on the wrong striker.

"You need one who can have an impact otherwise you are just burning money," Ten Hag told reporters. "You don't strengthen the squad and it doesn't help you.

"We have a good team when all are available. We have [a striker], Anthony Martial, I'm really happy with his performances across many games.

"He has had a really good impact. If you see his minutes and the impact he has had it's been huge."

One suggestion for United to boost their attacking ranks has been to recall Amad Diallo, who has scored six goals in 19 matches on loan at Championship side Sunderland.

But Ten Hag is reluctant to bring Diallo back to Old Trafford early, believing it would be wrong to stunt the progress the Ivory Coast international is making with the Black Cats.

"We consider everything. I have a little reservation because I don't want to stop the process, he is making good progress there," Ten Hag added. "Young players need experiences.

"When we decide [he needs] to come back he has to be a player who can compete for the starting 11 or at a minimum of coming on for a lot of games to have an impact."

Erik ten Hag saluted Luke Shaw's "fabulous" performances at centre-half in Manchester United's victories over Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

The Dutchman has been forced to rotate United's defence on their return to action with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof suffering from illness and Lisandro Martinez still regaining fitness after Argentina's World Cup glory.

Casemiro filled in at centre-half during the EFL Cup victory over Burnley, while Shaw played alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of defence for their Premier League outings against Forest and Wolves.

Ten Hag's decision was justified with United recording consecutive clean sheets, and the England full-back could continue in the unfamiliar role for the visit of Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Explaining his thinking, the manager said of Shaw: "We have seen the last two games. I think he did fabulous and was impressing. We know also he is really good as a left full-back, but it's an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.

"Of course, you have your ideas and a plan, but sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses from Harry [Maguire] and from Victor [Lindelof].

"Normally, they should have started in the games we just played, but then Casemiro did well as a centre-half, Luke Shaw against Forest did very good, and also you look into the game plan, the way we have to approach Wolves.

"And I thought it was the best match with Rapha and Luke. Especially defending wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side.

"[Shaw] could cover that because we want to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia, so that was a good fit. And also in possession, you always – with a left foot – get better angles on the pitch."

Ten Hag also revealed Martinez and Scott McTominay could return for the hosts in the first of four successive fixtures at Old Trafford, while Diogo Dalot could be in contention to feature as well.

"We have to see," he added. "Both [Martinez and McTominay] were training yesterday and today, so I am quite optimistic about [them] returning to the squad, both of them.

"Diogo Dalot also, he is making good progress – but we don't want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come, and we need a full squad to cover all the games."

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer Jack Grealish as well as a hefty transfer fee to Milan for in-demand forward Rafael Leao.

Leao, 23, has scored six goals with five assists in his 14 Serie A fixtures this campaign, following a 2021-22 season where he contributed 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 league appearances.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Grealish has been trending in the opposite direction, with the most expensive Englishman in football history only playing a complete 90 minutes in two of his 10 Premier League outings this season.

Chelsea have reportedly already seen a £62million (€70m) bid for Leao brushed off by Milan, who have apparently said they will wait for someone to meet his £133m (€150m) release clause, though a new report suggests City could be ready to make their move for the Portugal international.

TOP STORY – CITY PREPARED TO OFFER GREALISH IN BID FOR LEAO

While it remains to be seen exactly what price Milan would be happy to part ways with for their young star, City reportedly feel they have an ace up their sleeve in negotiations due to their willingness to send over a replacement player as part of their offer.

According to Calciomercato, City are willing to offer a package of Grealish plus cash to Milan for Leao, and the same outlet reported on December 6 that Milan had interest in Grealish in the event of Leao's departure.

Further reporting from Football Insider has stated City are looking to recoup £60m of their £100m initially spent on Grealish for a potential pursuit of Jude Bellingham.

ROUND-UP

– According to L'Equipe, Napoli are the leading candidates to land 22-year-old Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, while the Express adds Leicester City will also mount a charge for the Morocco standout if Youri Tielemans leaves in January.

– Media Foot is reporting Everton are in discussions with Montpellier about a potential £22m (€25m) move for 20-year-old striker Elye Wahi, who has represented France at the under-19 level.

– Manchester United are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram after reports the French international will be available for just £10.6m (€12m) in January as he enters the final six months of his contract, per the Daily Mail. 

– Sport Arena is reporting Arsenal have agreed to a five-year contract with 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. 

– According to Fichajes, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has had a change of heart and would now like to join Man Utd at the end of the season.

Martin Dubravka's loan spell with Manchester United has been cut short by Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

The Slovakia international made the move to Old Trafford in September to join Tom Heaton in providing competition for first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea.

Dubravka made just two appearances for United, both coming in EFL Cup in victories over Aston Villa and more recently Burnley.

He has not featured on the substitutes' bench for United in their past two Premier League games and has now been recalled by Newcastle.

Both clubs confirmed the news on their official websites on Sunday, as the transfer window officially opened.

Dubravka is now expected to provide back-up to Nick Pope at high-flying Newcastle, who are two points better off than United having played a game more.

He has made 130 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Sparta Prague in January 2018 and was voted the club's Player of the Year in the 2019-20 campaign.

Erik ten Hag has been taking charge of Manchester United Under-21s in a bid to ease young players' pathway to the first team.

Ten Hag was renowned for developing young players in his previous role at Ajax, and the Dutchman has looked to replicate that in his first season at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a breakthrough into the first team, while Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal have been named on the bench over the festive period.

Ten Hag – who coached Bayern Munich's second team earlier in his career – believes United's under-21 side was neglected before he took charge at the end of last season.

"For me, cooperation between all the different departments is crucial to get the right culture in a club," Ten Hag said.

"Like at Ajax, when I entered Manchester United, the reserve team was isolated.

"It was no longer really part of the academy, but it wasn't part of the first team either. I changed that immediately, just as I did when I entered Amsterdam.

"At Ajax, the reserve team came under the responsibility of the manager. That was the only way I could have influence on the flow of young, talented players towards the first team.

"Of course, I still give the coaches freedom to work, but I also give them direction, by saying for example, 'I want that player to start playing minutes in that position'.

"So the final responsibility lies with me about how the second team performs and the flow of players that goes from the reserve team to the first team."

Ten Hag explained the quality of his coaching staff – including assistant Mitchell van der Gaag – allowed him to take a back seat in many training sessions and focus on United's overall approach.

"I talked to [director of football] John Murtough about this at length before I came to Manchester, and he set it up in such a way that I can work this way here too," he said.

"In the Netherlands, I made the step towards taking more of a managerial role at Ajax. If you don't have competent people around you, you can't delegate and you're going to do it all yourself anyway. 

"But if you do have competent people, you have to bring them into your vision and then you can delegate tasks. An example is the training process with the senior team. 

"I know this is in good hands with Mitchell. I can often take an overview view. Then, as a manager, you see a lot more than if you are working on the training exercises yourself."

Casemiro is tipping Marcus Rashford to become of the top five players in world football and admitted he was surprised by how good his Manchester United team-mate is.

Rashford was benched for United's trip to Wolves on New Year's Eve after oversleeping and missing a team meeting.

But the England forward came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory to continue his hot streak, which has seen him score three times since returning from World Cup duty.

Rashford has 11 goals in all competitions this season and Casemiro has been impressed by what he has seen since arriving in a big-money move from Real Madrid in August.

"I'm going to be very honest with you, I was really surprised by the player that Rashford is," said Casemiro.

"In my opinion, especially knowing the player off the pitch, if he does well he can be one of the five best players in the world."

United's victory meant they started 2023 in the Premier League's top four. Tottenham can go back ahead of the Red Devils by beating Aston Villa on Sunday, albeit Antonio Conte's side will have played a game more.

Erik ten Hag's men are next in action at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Chelsea are working to reunite manager Graham Potter with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in a January move believed to be worth in the range of £60million.

Mac Allister, 24, has been with Brighton since 2019, and is coming off his most productive Premier League campaign after forcing his way into Potter's best XI to earn 11 consecutive starts to close last season.

His emergence, which was followed up by a fine start to 2022-23, did not go unnoticed, with Mac Allister earning a spot in Argentina's World Cup squad, where he would go on to start all four of his country's knockout games and contribute an assist in the final against France.

Chelsea have spent plenty of time scouting Argentina players in search of midfield reinforcements, having long been linked with Enzo Fernandez, but have reportedly landed on Potter's recent colleague as the best value of the bunch.
 

TOP STORY – CHELSEA LOOK TO BRIGHTON FOR SOLUTION TO MIDFIELD WOES

Chelsea's interest in fellow Argentina standout and Benfica midfielder Fernandez has also been well documented, but with his price tag exceeding £100m, Football Insider is reporting the Stamford Bridge club now view Mac Allister as a better value.

The report states Chelsea have "concrete" interest in making a January move a reality, and that £60m will likely be enough to pry him away from Brighton.

Meanwhile, Portuguese publication Relevo still claims Chelsea's move for Fernandez is only "one step away", confirming the 21-year-old has agreed to personal terms, but indicating Chelsea are hesitant about meeting his full release clause.

ROUND-UP

– According to the Star, Tottenham expect to complete a £35m move for Sporting right-back Pedro Porro by the end of the week.

– A Bola adds Tottenham are also investigating the possibility of bringing back 24-year-old English midfielder Marcus Edwards from Sporting, having initially left the club in 2019.

– Bild is reporting in-demand Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram, 25, will be available for as little as €12m.

– According to Foot Mercato, Morocco and Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou could depart for Bayern Munich or Manchester United in January. 

– Newcastle United have made an offer for 27-year-old Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, per Foot Mercato.