Man Utd's last-minute transfer hijack emerges as ex-coach gets last laugh

Manchester United made a late move to sign Julio Enciso - but were ultimately edged out by Ipswich Town.

The Brighton star has struggled for minutes on the south coast and has opted to head out on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The Tractor Boys made an offer to sign the Paraguayan but faced competition late in the day as the Red Devils swooped in.

According to Tuttomercatoweb the Manchester outfit made a last-minute attempt to sign Enciso as they consider possible replacements for Alejandro Garnacho, who is heavily linked with a move away from the club this month.

Ipswich are looking to bring in new faces to aid their survival bid, currently finding themselves in the bottom three. Enciso had looked as if he would continue to flourish at the Seagulls, but his development has stalled and Kieran McKenna has won the race to sign him - thwarting his previous team.

Enciso told the club's media channel: “I am so happy to be here. The conversations with the Manager have been good. I am very grateful to him and the Club for believing in me. I can’t wait to get going. I’m a real fighter and I will do my best in every game.”

Ben Godrey and Jaden Philogene have also arrived on loan but those at Old Trafford are yet to see any new faces come in despite their own struggles. Ruben Amorim has overseen a difficult beginning to his tenure but there are a lack of funds to help him improve the team's fortunes.

Much of the news surrounding United has been on potential exits. The hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for their entire squad and interest has mounted in Garnacho. Chelsea and Napoli are both keen with the player's agent seen in discussions with the Blues.

Amorim will want to see replacements bought in, if only on loan, should he see some of his first-team players depart. Marcus Rashford is another name who's constantly been in the headlines with the forward not part of the picture in Manchester at present.

Brighton meanwhile, having allowed Enciso to leave, are also willing to sanction Evan Ferguson's exit this month. The Irish striker had enjoyed a rapid rise but his minutes have stalled with Fabian Hurzeler only using him sporadically and the Seagulls are prepared to let him leave temporarily.