Turkish giants Besiktas have made contact with Manchester United over the conditions of a transfer for one surprise star.
Many fans and pundits feel Manchester United will be active in the January transfer window, with at least one new face expected through the Old Trafford turnstiles. However, it may be the exit door that is more frequently used than the entrance.
The first point of call for Jason Wilcox and the transfer team – especially after Jonny Evans departed from his Loan Manager role – must be securing loan moves for the exciting talent in United’s U21S side.
Sékou Koné is one player believed to be attracting interest, most notably from INEOS-owned Lausanne-Sport. But he could be kept at the club if other midfield exits pave a way for a new spot in Rúben Amorim’s senior team.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have both been linked with moves away, while Casemiro is set to leave at the end of the season – bedding in a new, young midfielder would make a great deal of sense.
Toby Collyer, who was recalled from his loan at West Brom, will be after the spot, but he will have to fight with Jack and Tyler Fletcher if either of the twins aren’t loaned out before the end of the winter transfer window.
Besiktas make surprise Mainoo offer
Mainoo has been heavily linked with a loan move away in January, although many thought he would stay if Bruno Fernandes’ injury is worse than first thought.
However, as reported by Sabah, Besiktas have made “contact” with United over a possible transfer for the England international.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s former side are believed to be seeking an 18-month loan, while other suitors seem to prefer a six-month deal, until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Napoli appeared to be the favourites for Mainoo’s signature towards the end of the summer window, but Besiktas’ recent offer puts a stumbling block in the way of the Italian giants, although United are likely to prefer a six-month deal, so Mainoo can play in the Europa League or Champions League next season, if United qualify.
It will likely come down to which deal Mainoo prefers, if he is allowed to leave Old Trafford this January. Amorim may want to keep the England international with Fernandes and Mason Mount still out injured.
Mainoo must take Fernandes chance
While Mainoo could leave United in January, he could be given a chance to start in the coming weeks, even with Ugarte set to stay at the club until the summer window.
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If Fernandes doesn’t return before United’s trip to Turfmoor in midweek, Mainoo could be given the chance to start alongside Casemiro in Amorim’s double pivot.
A return date hasn’t yet been announced for Mainoo, but his injury isn’t believed to be as serious as Fernandes’. If he doesn’t return for the trip to Burnley, he could make his comeback in the FA Cup against Brighton next weekend.
A good performance on his return could see Mainoo stay at the club until the end of the season. He could even become a key player in the remaining Premier League games.
It’s all up to him to return, and return well.
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