Casemiro, Varane and Sancho ready to be sold by Man Utd
Manchester United will reportedly look to sell Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho when the January transfer window opens.
The Red Devils have suffered an indifferent season so far under Erik ten Hag and 10 defeats have left them sixth in the Premier League table and on the brink of a premature exit from the UEFA Champions League.
The outlet states: “Erik ten Hag has been under immense pressure as United manager in recent weeks and he is ready to take a ruthless approach when the window opens in the New Year. The 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday has eased the pressure in the short term, but the Dutchman knows he needs to remodel his squad in the long term to achieve success.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe will soon take sporting control of United, with his £1.3billion deal for 25% of the club awaiting ratification. And The Independent reports that Ten Hag is keen to make a statement by listening to offers for high-profile players like Casemiro, Sancho and Varane.
“A move for Sancho in the transfer window does not come as a surprise, with the £73m winger currently exiled from Ten Hag’s squad following a very public falling out. But reports that former Real Madrid duo Casemiro and Varane have been transfer listed signals a change in approach by United.
“Ratcliffe, who has previously criticised United for investing “dumb money” in players, singled out Casemiro in meetings with the club hierarchy earlier in the year. The INEOS billionaire would prefer the club to target younger players, who come with greater potential and a resale value.
“The trio are among United’s highest earners and Ten Hag recently played down the possibility of United making several signings in January, suggesting the club need to sell before they can buy.”
Lacroix and Guehi targeted by Liverpool
Liverpool are ready to turn to Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix to strengthen their defence, it has been claimed.
The Mirror claims The Reds are in the market for a new defender to help ease the burden left by the season-ending knee injury suffered by Joel Matip.
Lacroix, who is said to be valued at “£25 million-plus” is seemingly on “their radar”, and Jurgen Klopp’s side are also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
“Jurgen Klopp could be forced into the market for a new centre-half – and Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is on their radar,” the outlet states.
“Lacroix, 23, who was born in France and represented his country at youth level, could be available at £25m-plus but Liverpool would look to try and negotiate for any player into the final two years of their deal.
”Powerful defender Lacroix is a regular for Wolfsburg who are mid-table in the Bundesliga but, at his best, he is known for being a commanding centre-half.
”Liverpool also rate highly Crystal Palace’s England international Marc Guehi who is likely to be a sought-after defender next summer. Palace will not sell next month but Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to be in the market for a new centre half next month and Guehi has big suitors even if his club will demand a huge fee before considering whether to sell.”
Arsenal eyeing up Palhinha as replacement for Partey
A midfielder is Arsenal’s “priority” in January, it has been suggested, and the north London giants could make a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, but a report in the Mirror says they have switched their focus to Palhinha.
The article states: “Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is believed to be considering a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, which could spell the end of Thomas Partey’s Emirates stay.
“Arteta has made a new central midfielder one of his priority additions ahead of the January transfer window and several names have been linked. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz was one of the first talents to be touted with a switch to north London, but attention has since turned to Palhinha after an impressive start to the season with the Cottagers.
“Palhinha has already come close to leaving Fulham once, when German giants Bayern Munich reached an agreement with the west Londoners worth £55million, only for the deal to collapse when Marco Silva’s side couldn’t find a replacement. Though Bayern are still keen, Arsenal have now entered the race for the midfielder’s signature.
“As a result, Thomas Partey’s Gunners career has been plunged into fresh doubt. The Ghana international was rumoured to be heading for the Emirates exit last summer, with Juventus reportedly keen, but he ended up staying put.
“However, amid yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines with an injury, there is mounting belief that Arteta could grow tired of not being able to rely on Partey and cut all ties if he can get another midfield talent through the door.”
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