Man Utd transfer news: £26m hijack accelerates as 3 deals could be on | Football | Sport

Manchester United are enjoying a remarkable surge under interim boss Michael Carrick, with back-to-back victories against Premier League title contenders propelling the Red Devils into the Champions League spots and raising their ambition. The January transfer window appears set to be relatively subdued at Old Trafford amid the ongoing managerial uncertainty, despite Carrick’s impressive opening stint.

Nevertheless, speculation continues to swirl around the Theatre of Dreams, with names such as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer being linked with a switch. For the ex-Middlesbrough manager and his players, the priority for the rest of the campaign will be sustaining their excellent form and fending off their top-four rivals. Below, Express Sport examines the latest United transfer speculation.

United accelerate Kader Meite pursuit

According to The Guardian, United are weighing up whether to intensify their pursuit of Kader Meite.

The Red Devils are understood to have held discussions with representatives of the 18-year-old regarding a potential transfer. Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Hilal are also monitoring the Rennes striker.

Meite is valued at around £26million, with the France under-21 international having two and a half years left on his existing contract at the Ligue 1 club. With three goals and two assists in 17 appearances in the French top-flight, he has already caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured to be interested.

Crystal Palace and Chelsea are also monitoring his progress, but United could hijack any potential move now.

Meite’s career has skyrocketed since making his debut as a 17-year-old in November 2024.

Andre Onana permanent exit

Andre Onana is reportedly on his way out of Old Trafford after being replaced by Senne Lammens as United’s first-choice keeper.

The Daily Mail claim that the Cameroon international’s representatives have been in discussions with Inter Milan about a potential return. Onana moved to United from the Serie A heavyweights after impressing at the San Siro during their Champions League final run in 2023.

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Currently on loan at Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig, Onana made the move following the arrival of Lammens as Ruben Amorim reshuffled his goalkeeping ranks.

While the 29-year-old hasn’t given up on his United career, he is expected to make a permanent exit as the possibility of replacing Yann Sommer looms.

Onana’s form in Turkey has reportedly piqued Inter’s interest, with the keeper having conceded just three defeats in 16 matches for Trabzonspor.

Zirkzee attracting Premier League interest

According to TEAMTalk, United striker Joshua Zirkzee has caught the eye of struggling top-flight clubs Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

The Dutch forward has seen his playing time at Old Trafford significantly reduced this campaign following the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

United are understood to be hesitant to sanction a departure that would weaken their attacking options mid-season, particularly with the club well positioned in the race for Champions League qualification.

Zirkzee has registered just nine goals and four assists in 65 appearances, fuelling growing uncertainty about his future with a move back to Italy frequently suggested.