Manchester United have been linked with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who is in the final six months of his contract and could leave on a free transfer this summer
Manchester United have the chance to land a crucial signing for Ruben Amorim, despite the Portuguese manager’s recent remarks about the club’s January transfer strategy.
There’s been considerable external speculation about United’s transfer intentions ahead of the window reopening, even though Amorim’s side currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League at the season’s midpoint.
United are level on points with Chelsea and just three points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool. Their summer pursuit of Carlos Baleba suggested that bolstering the midfield would be a priority.
Numerous players have been touted as potential additions to strengthen Amorim’s engine room, though any potential signing could significantly impact Kobbie Mainoo’s future prospects.
Yet on only the second day of January, Amorim’s comments regarding United’s transfer activity suggest a window that might leave many supporters underwhelmed.
The manager had previously indicated they would explore opportunities if the right deal presented itself, whilst emphasising the need to avoid any errors.
Now, the United chief has revealed there are currently no active discussions with Director of Football Jason Wilcox or Chief Executive Omar Berrada about potential arrivals this month.
“The transfer window is not going to change, we have no conversation to have any change in the squad,” Amorim stated, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“There is a process, there is an idea, we are near the places of Champions League, but we’re also near eight teams behind us, so let’s focus on the next game.”
Amorim’s comments may well stir unease among fans, given the squad’s need for enhancement. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as rumours from Italy suggest United could be making a move to bolster the team in the summer.
Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that United are one of three clubs eyeing up AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The French international is now in the last six months of his contract at the San Siro and could depart at the season’s end.
Maignan was on the brink of signing for Chelsea at the start of the season, but the Premier League club decided against meeting Milan’s asking price. The Italian side is eager to extend his stay, but the keeper has yet to commit to his future.
United switched their goalkeeper in the summer, with Senne Lammens stepping in for Andre Onana, who moved to Turkish side Trabzonspor. The Belgian has largely impressed in his first half-year in England, despite facing criticism for several goals conceded.
Before securing Lammens, United had expressed interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martínez. Next summer presents the chance to sign one of Europe’s top goalkeepers on a free transfer.
Now that the January transfer window has swung open, United have the opportunity to agree on a pre-contract. However, they’ll need to move swiftly if they decide to pursue this option.
Calciomercato also reports that Milan’s directors plan to meet with the goalkeeper’s representatives following their Serie A showdown with Cagliari on Friday.