Wan-Bissaka form has ‘changed’ transfer plan as Romano makes bleak ‘cheap’ Man Utd admission
Fabrizio Romano does not expect Manchester United to make any more signings this month after bringing in Wout Weghorst on loan.
Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag is working with a tight budget in the winter transfer window after spending a club-record amount last summer.
United had sought a new central midfielder in the summer, even with the addition of Casemiro, and there were some expectations they would bring one in this month.
However, they have been limited to completing the signings of goalkeeper Jack Butland and Weghorst on loan until the end of the season.
Bringing in a new striker was a priority for Ten Hag following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now that has been sorted, it is unlikely United will sign another player in January, unless they are available at a low price, or if the club sell one or two big players.
Speaking to The United Stand on YouTube, transfer expert Romano gave us an update on what he knows about the club’s potential transfer business.
“I think it is always an opportunity in the January window,” he told Mark Goldbridge.
“I don’t expect Manchester United to go with big money or any big player. We have heard some stories about [Denzel] Dumfries or Enzo Fernandez, I don’t expect any kind of big signing in the final two weeks.”
The only possible business could be in the right-back position with Wan-Bissaka’s future at Old Trafford cast in doubt.
Having said that, the English defender has been on top form recently after being given a chance to impress.
This means a sale is less likely, although it could happen if United receive a decent fee.
“If there is an opportunity, this could be the case, otherwise they will be happy with the squad and also the right-back situation,” Romano continued.
“I think the only situation to keep an eye on is the right-back because this week will be important to understand about Wan-Bissaka’s future. He is doing really well now, so the situation has changed and Manchester United are no longer in a hurry to let him leave. Wolves and Crystal Palace remain interested, but it has to be the right proposal; otherwise, the situation could be different.
“For sure, this is the potential signing in case something will happen.”
On who could replace Wan-Bissaka should he leave, Romano responded: “I think they would consider some opportunities for players who can be available on a really good deal, a potential loan with an option (to buy), something like that.
“For example, a player who can be an option is [Josip] Juranovic. He had a very good World Cup with the Croatian national team. He is a player who is on the list of many clubs so maybe can become an option for United.
“There are many players who can be an opportunity. But, again, cheap with buy option, maybe not a big fee, around £7-8million, something like that. I do not expect Man United to go for Dumfries. Inter want more than £35-40million for Denzel Dumfries so it is a really complicated one and also Man United don’t want to create a problem in the negotiations with Diogo Dalot. This is a priority for Man United to extend Diogo Dalot’s contract.
“He really loves the club so he wants to stay. There is a conversation to extend his contract, so it has to be something balanced because their starting right-back will be Diogo Dalot for sure.”
It is not looking likely another player will come through the door, unless someone good enough becomes available for a small fee.
“I think yes, this kind of opportunity,” Romano said when asked if any incoming deals will have to be similar to the £3million loan fee paid for Weghorst.
“Lets see if it will be the right-back, it depends on Wan-Bissaka.
“Let’s see if it will be some other kind of opportunity, maybe in the midfield, but it has to be something like that (Weghorst deal), something cheap, something smart, because this is the mission for this January transfer window for Man United.”
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