Man United shoot down January transfer rumour amid ‘secret’ Saudi Arabia meeting

Manchester United have shot down rumours that they will be active in the January transfer window amid John Murtough’s flight to Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

There have been plenty of rumours flying around in the last few months that Manchester United will be making a move in the January transfer market in order to boost Erik ten Hag‘s squad.

The club have been knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup this season, leaving just the Premier League and FA Cup as competitions they are still able to take part in, and there are a number of players who seem free to leave Old Trafford in the coming months.

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However, despite multiple players such as Raphinha and Fikayo Tomori being mentioned as potential January options, club Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche.

“We have been consistent in saying we do not see January as the optimal time to do business,” Roche said in the latest Manchester United Fan Forum.

Further to this, football director John Murtough said: “Looking at the January transfer window, we don’t expect it to be particularly busy. There will always be opportunities, particularly in finding opportunities for players who aren’t playing as much as they would like it.

“However, we have always been consistent in saying that we do not consider January to be the best time to do business and that our recruitment strategy remains focused on the summer transfer windows.”

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Murtough flew to Saudi Arabia earlier this month for an undisclosed meeting to establish contact with representatives from the Saudi Pro League.

Although no transfers were agreed upon, the report mentioned that important contacts were established, with Casemiro, Raphaël Varane, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho named among those who are available for a move.

United want to raise money through sales in January after their Champions League exit knocked £28 million from their expected budget.