Utd transfer round-up: Boss reacts to Pogba bombshell as Ronaldo hopes boosted

Manchester United have been hit with a Paul Pogba bombshell with less than a month to go until the January transfer window opens.

On the eve of Tuesday's huge Champions League clash against RB Leipzig, super agent Mino Raiola declared that Pogba wants to leave United, and suggested next month would be the best time for it happen.

It remains to be seen whether Pogba does indeed leave in the new year, or whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will stand firm and insist that the 27-year-old plays a part in their trophy hunt this season.

While the ongoing saga of Pogba's future looks set to dominate the next few weeks, there is also fresh speculation that the Red Devils could move a sensational swoop for their former star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Here is the latest transfer news and rumours around United.

Boss gives his reaction to Raiola comments

France boss Didier Deschamps refused to be drawn into the debate over Pogba's future after Raiola said it was "over" for the midfielder at United.

Pogba described playing for France as "a breath of fresh air" following the recent international break, as his United struggles continued.

Raiola spoke of Pogba needing "a new team, a change of air" in his bombshell interview with Tuttosport .

But Deschamps remained tight-lipped when asked about the situation following Monday's World Cup qualifying draw, which saw France pitted against Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia and Kazakhstan in the race for the 2022 tournament.

"If I start to react to the words of the players’ agents, their uncle, their grandmother or their dog…” said Deschamps to Telefoot , cited by Sport Witness.

Sponsors 'to fund move' for Cristiano Ronaldo

United's sponsors Chevrolet are reportedly willing to help finance a sensational deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.

There has been plenty of speculation about Ronaldo's future, with Juventus said to be ready to get the huge earner off their wage bill after struggling with the financial impact of the pandemic.

United would have to pay the 35-year-old's mammoth salary of around £500,000-per-week in order to land him next summer.

But shirt sponsors Chevrolet believe it would be a smart move commercially to help fund a swoop for the forward, according to Auto Esporte.

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games for United, helping them win three Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other trophies.

Lingard linked with Serie A side

Jesse Lingard's representatives are reportedly looking into the possibility of a loan move for the midfielder in January, with Real Sociedad among the interested parties.

The 27-year-old has made just two appearances for United this season and has been linked with a move away, with his contract set to expire in July.

However, United have the option to extend his deal by a further deal and look set to do so, according to The Star - meaning they could recoup a transfer fee for him next summer.

But with Lingard needing game time, his agents are exploring options for him to spend the rest of the season away from Old Trafford and have held initial talks with Sociedad, according to Sky Sports.