Manchester United will listen to offers for several players in the January transfer window.
Well-placed sources have told the Manchester Evening News United are open to selling Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.
Financial fair play rules have prompted United to become more proactive sellers, though club sources insist no player will be forced out and manager Erik ten Hag does not want to sanction sales that would weaken the squad.
Following Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, figures at United are believed to be baffled by the prospect of more extravagant spending in January by Chelsea, who have spent more than £1billion on players across the last three transfer windows.
United do not expect a mass exodus next month but have decided to alert clubs to certain players’ availability well in advance of the summer transfer window.
Varane, 30, wants to stay at United but feels he could be forced to move after making one start in the last 13 games. Ten Hag confirmed earlier this month Van de Beek is free to leave while the exiled Sancho has been training away from the first team squad for three months after accusing Ten Hag of lying over his absence from the matchday squad at Arsenal on September 3.
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Although Ten Hag implied Sancho could still return to the fold if he apologies, club sources insist Sancho is still likely to be moved on next month.
Casemiro, 31, is sidelined until Christmas with a hamstring problem and his drastic drop-off in form, as well as his fitness issues, have convinced United to gauge whether there is a market for the Brazil international.
Martial, who turned 28 last week, is expected to be released in the summer if there are no takers for the striker in January. United have the option to extend Martial’s contract until summer 2024 but he has scored a meagre 18 United goals since the start of the 2020-21 season and he has not completed 90 minutes in the Premier League since January 2021.
United had planned to sell Martial in the summer but he sustained a hamstring injury on the final day of last season and was sidelined until mid-August.
There is also uncertainty over the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back is technically out of contract in the summer and while United are bound to extend his deal as there is resale value, there is an impasse over discussions regarding a new contract.
Wan-Bissaka, 25, has only started two of the last six games, having missed two months of the season with a hamstring strain. Ten Hag eyed a right-back addition in his first two summers in charge of United.
Ten Hag stressed last week he is open to United being active next month. “We have to be prepared if there are opportunities there. If there are certain circumstances or surprises, we have to be ready to act.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
