Exclusive: ‘Increasingly likely’ Man Utd complete canny signing that was unthinkable three months ago

Man Utd are ready to push ahead with a midfield transfer that would’ve been unthinkable just three months ago, TEAMtalk has learned.

Manchester United’s winter window appeared destined to be a quiet one for much of the month. Once Cody Gakpo was overlooked and a move to Liverpool quickly took shape, United were content to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with loanee Wout Weghorst.

Jack Butland also arrived on a temporary basis to fill the void left by Martin Dubravka. The stopper was recalled six months early by Newcastle.

That appeared to be the full extent of United’s moves in January, though an untimely ankle injury suffered by Christian Eriksen in the window’s final days sprung them into life.

Eriksen was ruled out for two-three months, something that prompted Ten Hag to explore the loan market for a third time on deadline day.

Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer was the player drafted in and the Austrian’s surprise arrival has gone on to prove something of a masterstroke.

The 29-year-old bagged a brace against Sevilla on Thursday night and TEAMtalk has learned Man Utd are ready to forge a permanent deal in lieu of his fine displays.

Sabitzer’s loan does not contain an option to buy. As such, terms will have to be negotiated from scratch.

However, that’s unlikely to be an issue with all three of the player, Man Utd and Bayern Munich on board with a move.

There had been speculation Bayern’s change of manager from Julian Nagelsmann to Thomas Tuchel could disrupt proceedings. However, it’s understood that like Nagelsmann, Tuchel will not stand in the way of Sabitzer moving to Manchester.

Sabitzer deal “there to be had”

Speaking exclusively to TEAMtalk, transfer insider Graeme Bailey said: “Sabitzer was only signed on loan but he was always told that the option to earn a permanent move to the club was there. He looks to have done that.

“He has little desire to return to Bayern, even with Thomas Tuchel as manager. He has enjoyed his time with United and has loved working with Ten Hag.

“A deal is there to be had and it looks increasingly likely United will push to get the deal over the line.”

BILD recently reported just £16m could be enough to swing a deal. Sport1 stated a ‘suitable offer’ between the range of £13.2m and £17.6m (€15m-€20m) will suffice.

Given Sabitzer has already proven he can hack it in England, a move for what is a relatively modest fee is virtually a risk-free affair for Man Utd.

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