Medical completed as Rashford nears exit and update issued on striker talks

Manchester United are ramping up their business as the January transfer window nears its halfway stage.

United have shown clear signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim in recent weeks, with the 2-2 draw at Liverpool followed up by a backs-to-the-wall win over Arsenal on penalties in the third round of the FA Cup. But the work Amorim is undertaking hasn’t prevented United from looking to strengthen their squad in the transfer market.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is open to selling any player, should a suitable offer arrive, and that stance is pertinent as the stalemate over a new contract continues with Kobbie Mainoo. Bayern Munich have now joined Chelsea in showing interest in the academy graduate.

Meanwhile, talks are continuing in Italy over the possible loan move for Marcus Rashford to AC Milan. But there is plenty else going on behind the scenes at United right now, so allow  Mirror Football  to take you through the best of it.

Young defender Diego Leon underwent a medical on Monday after flying to Manchester over the weekend. The 17-year-old left-back is poised to sign a pre-contract agreement with the club before returning to Cerro Porteno in Paraguay for the rest of the season.

Amorim has identified left-back as a problem area, with Luke Shaw’s injury issues continuing and doubts over Tyrell Malacia, who has been linked with a move to Como this month. The Dutchman has only just returned from a long injury lay-off and United would consider a loan with an option to buy.

Meanwhile, they continue to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes. PSG have not agreed a new contract with Mendes and United have good relations with the French giants after buying Manuel Ugarte in the summer.

Alejandro Garnacho is a target for Napoli, according to Italian publication Sport Italia. Napoli look likely to sell star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG this month and are on the lookout for a replacement.

The report states that Antonio Conte likes Garnacho, who has fallen down the United pecking order of late under Amorim. Garnacho is under contract until June 2028 and the club are not looking to sell the 20-year-old, although a gigantic offer could sway them.

Meanwhile, Real Betis and Olympiacos have both made enquiries for Antony, according to Sky Sports. Antony was an unused substitute against Arsenal and United would love to get his £200,000-a-week wages off their bill. However, a loan is understood to be the most likely outcome, with neither Betis nor Olympiacos able to pay his wages.

The links with PSG continue elsewhere, with United one of the clubs interested in Randal Kolo Muani, who is being hawked around the market right now. PSG want to sell the French striker and use the funds to bring in Kvaratskhelia.

United have reportedly held concrete talks with the French club to sign Kolo Muani and could make an offer. Tottenham and Juventus have also been linked with him, but PSG boss Luis Enrique didn’t give anything away when asked over the weekend.

“I don’t know. The transfer window, for me, is more like the market for fruit, fish, bread,” he said. “I have nothing to say.”