Joao Felix told to make move in double Man Utd transfer boost for Erik ten Hag
It’s just 29 days to go until the January transfer window opens!
Erik ten Hag is trying to figure out how he can improve his Manchester United squad ahead of the business end of the season. The Red Devils are battling to finish in the top four of the Premier League and win the Europa League to end a six-year trophy drought.
One thing Ten Hag must do is replace Cristiano Ronaldo after his contract was terminated by mutual consent, but which players – other than PSV’s Cody Gakpo – are on the Dutchman’s shortlist? Here are the latest transfer rumours from Old Trafford.
Felix told to leave Atletico
Former United striker Diego Forlan believes Joao Felix should leave Atletico Madrid to kick-start his stuttering career.
Felix, 23, was signed by Atletico from Benfica in an eye-watering £113million deal three-and-a-half years ago but has failed to repay that fee. He’s scored just 33 goals for Diego Simeone’s side and it’s believed they will accepted an £86m offer for his services.
United are said to be interested in the Portuguese and Forlan, who played for the Red Devils between 2002 and 2004, thinks Felix should take the plunge. “Felix is a very good player, he is young and has a lot of quality,” Folan told reporters, as quoted by GOAL.
“They paid a lot of money for him and he has not been playing as expected, but he is still very young. There are reports coming out about the possibility of him leaving Atletico and, if he leaves, he could even increase his performance. I believe in that.
“It happens a lot. It happened, for example, with Philippe Coutinho, who played very little at Inter and when he went to Liverpool he improved a lot.”
United closing in on Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is ‘destined’ to join United, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
Pulisic, 24, has struggled to hold down a spot in Chelsea’s starting XI since his £58m move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2019. Although he’s won the Champions League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup, he’s scored just 26 goals for the Blues.
Chelsea are believed to be listening to offers for the United States international, who is currently representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar. United are thought to be admirers of Pulisic and leading Serie A giants Juventus in the race for his signature.
Ten Hag mulling over decision
Ten Hag is struggling to decide on whether to allow Zidane Iqbal leave Old Trafford on loan in January, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The Iraq international, 19, impressed during the pre-season tours of Thailand and Australia but has failed to make a Premier League outing this season. Despite this, it’s believed Ten Hag is worried about letting him leave on loan in case of an injury crisis.
United’s midfield is also lacking youth, with Eriksen and Casemiro both turning 31 in February and Fred celebrating his 30th birthday a month later. Ten Hag is considering delaying Iqbal’s loan spell until the summer to ensure his midfield has plenty of depth.
