Manchester United's first January deal close as Ten Hag eyes another reunion

06 January 2023 , 03:00

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Manchester United have been doing the business on the pitch lately and are now close to completing some off it.

Erik ten Hag's side have stormed to four successive victories since returning from the World Cup break, advancing to the EFL Cup quarter-finals and picking up a maximum nine points in the Premier League. After missing out on Cody Gakpo to arch-enemies Liverpool, the Red Devils are still keen to sign a forward in the January transfer window.

Despite being pleased with his current options, Ten Hag feels that the squad would benefit from more competition in attack. But it looks as if United's first signing of month will come in a different department, and the deal should be wrapped up before they host Everton in the FA Cup third round on Friday night.

Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Old Trafford.

Butland undergoes medical

Jack Butland underwent a medical at Manchester United on Thursday, with the Crystal Palace goalkeeper poised to make a six-month loan move to Old Trafford.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

The 29-year-old former England international will act as David de Gea's understudy for the second half of the season.

The move follows Newcastle's decision to recall previous deputy Martin Dubravka, who made just two appearances for United and is now back at St James' Park. Butland has been playing second fiddle to Vicente Guaita in south London since joining Palace from Stoke City two years ago.

Manchester United's first January deal close as Ten Hag eyes another reunion

Jack Butland will join Man Utd on a half-season loan (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Ten Hag wants Kudus reunion

Erik ten Hag is set to attempt a third raid on former club Ajax since becoming Red Devils boss, as he plots a swoop for Mohammed Kudus.

The 22-year-old Ghanaian forward, who can play as a striker, shone at the World Cup in Qatar and Ajax have subsequently slapped a £35million price tag on his head.

Ten Hag brought Kudus to Amsterdam from Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2020 and the Daily Star report that the Dutch manager is keen on a reunion in Manchester, just as he did with centre-back Lisandro Martinez and winger Antony. The versatile attacker boasts five goals in 14 Eredivisie games this season and scored against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Have your say! Who should Man Utd sign in January? Join the debate in the comments section.

Ajax value Mohammed Kudus at £35m (Dave Howarth - CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images)

Simeone 'p***** off' with Felix situation

Diego Simeone wants United target Joao Felix's situation at Atletico Madrid to be resolved quickly, with the 23-year-old forward's uncertain future leaving him 'p***** off'.

According Spanish radio station Cadena SER, the Atletico boss is growing frustrated after being told by club chiefs that Felix's future would be decided swiftly once the January window opened.

The Portugal international has been the subject of interest from Old Trafford as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, but Atletico's demands are understood to have put the trio off making a move.

The La Liga side are said to want a £13m loan fee for a half-season switch, with his full £250,000-a-week wages covered, or £88m for a permanent deal.