Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils want Vinicius Junior, Jean-Clair Todibo unlikely to leave in January, and more - January 13, 2024
Manchester United are getting ready to host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday (January 14) in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag’s men are eighth in the league after 20 games and need a win to keep hopes of a top-four finish alive.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have set their sights on Vinicius Junior. Elsewhere, Jean-Clair Todibo is unlikely to leave Nice this month.
On that note, let’s take a look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from January 13, 2024.
Manchester United want Vinicius Junior
Manchester United have set their sights on Vinicius Junior, according to Fichajes.net.
The Brazilian forward is one of the finest forwards in the world right now and is among Real Madrid’s most important players. However, Los Blancos’ public pursuit of Kylian Mbappe has added to speculation regarding Vinicius’ future.
The Red Devils have previously been linked with a move for the Brazilian and are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Marcus Rashford failing to impress this season, Vinicius could be the perfect candidate for the left-forward role.
However, the La Liga giants are unlikely to consider a departure for the player who only signed a new deal until 2027 last summer.
Jean-Clair Todibo unlikely to leave in January, says Fabrizio Romano
Jean-Clair Todibo is unlikely to leave Nice this month, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The French defender has earned rave reviews with his performances for the Ligue 1 club this season. Todibo has appeared 14 times in the league this campaign and is reportedly a target for Manchester United this month. Nice-Matin recently stated that Liverpool are also eyeing the 24-year-old with interest.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that Nice have no desire to let him go in January.
“Let me clarify once again, there are no clear favourites for the signature of Jean-Clair Todibo, and the expectation is for him to move in the summer, not now. It will take time before we know who the favourite is and what kind of evolution there will be in the next months. My information remains that OGC Nice don’t want to sell Todibo in January,” wrote Romano.
Todibo could be a long-term replacement for Raphael Varane at Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo not planning to leave Old Trafford
Amad Diallo is reportedly not planning to leave Manchester United right now.
The Ivorian forward joined the Red Devils from Atalanta in 2020 but is yet to get going at Old Trafford. Amad enjoyed a stunning 2022-23 season with Sunderland and was expected to get a lengthy run in Erik ten Hag’s team this season. However, a knee injury picked up in pre-season ruined his plans.
Now back to full fitness, Amad is looking to make up for lost time. He has already been linked with a temporary departure from Old Trafford, with Leicester City reportedly interested in his services. However, the 21-year-old has hinted that he will remain at Manchester United for now.
Speaking to United Review, Amad added that he enjoys a good relationship with Erik ten Hag.
“Working with him (Ten Hag) is really something that doesn't happen every day. He is a person who wants to work hard; even in training and when you're going slowly, he calls you over and tells you to go stronger. I like coaches like that, that let you know that you need to train hard. My relationship with him is a good relationship,” said Amad.
The Ivorian went on to speak about his return to action against Nottingham Forest, insisting that he wasn’t expecting to play for more than 10-15 minutes.
“Well, to be honest, I wasn't expecting to play so soon. I thought I would maybe be playing for the last 10 or 15 minutes because I was coming back from an injury but the fact that he brought me on at that moment meant that the coach trusted me, and I was really happy to have played in that match,” said Amad.
He continued:
“I would have preferred us to win that match, yes we lost, but now we'll focus on the next matches. We lost that match but now I've come in with more belief and with the desire to help the team as I've always wanted to do, and I want to continue on this path.
"Whenever the coach calls me up or sends me on the pitch, I want to be always present to help the team.”
Amad registered 36 minutes of action against Forest and is likely to be in the squad for the game against Tottenham Hotspur.