Man Utd to complete first January signing with player flying to UK & medical ‘imminent’

To comply with profit and sustainability regulations, United need to sell players. Selling Marcus Rashford, a homegrown talent, would be entirely profitable as he is increasingly linked with a move away.

But it appears Ruben Amorim has admitted defeat in regards to January additions. “We don’t have that possibility in January,’ he said after their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday.

He added: “It is not the case that I am arriving here and can spend a lot of money changing all the team. You know the situation so there’s not a lot of point talking about it.”

Earlier this week, a report from The Daily Mail hinted that Manchester United have tentatively identified Nuno Mendes, Victor Osimhen, and Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens as potential targets.

However, in terms of concrete negotiations, it seems that highly-rated Cerro Porteno left-back Diego Leon will be the first to join United in January.

Last month, it was revealed that United were in ‘advanced negotiations’ to sign the 17-year-old amid interest from several top European clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

A transfer fee of $4 million (£3.1 million) has been agreed, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, who mentioned that various aspects of the deal have been discussed, including add-ons and the player’s economic rights.

A few days later, Cerro Porteno president Juan José Zapag appeared to confirm that Leon’s move to Old Trafford would be official soon.

Now, journalist Bruno Pont reports that Leon’s agent, Renato Bittar, has stated that the Paraguayan defender will travel to Manchester in the coming days for his medical.

Leon, widely regarded as one of South America’s most promising talents, has made a significant impact during his breakout season in the Paraguayan Primera Division.

After scoring the winning goal on his competitive debut in August, he has become a first-team regular, making 19 appearances in all competitions.