Man Utd flop’s likely next club named, as Ten Hag hedges his bets over January exit
Man Utd will sanction the departure of a big-money signing in January, and TEAMtalk has learned which Premier League side he’s likely to join and in what guise.
Man Utd’s pursuit of a new centre-forward will dominate the club’s headlines next month. However, up front isn’t the only area the Red Devils could address.
Right-back is another, with Fabrizio Romano previously reporting three deals are on the way.
Firstly, United planned to activate the one-year extension in Diogo Dalot’s contract. That has been achieved, though the new plan is to tie Dalot down to a longer-term deal that better reflects his growing influence.
Romano added a new right-back could be signed, but only if Aaron Wan-Bissaka were moved out first.
The 25-year-old is widely believed to be a poor fit for Erik ten Hag due to his attacking limitations. However, Wan-Bissaka caught the eye in United’s EFL Cup victory over Burnley when making a vital contribution going forward.
He produced an acrobatic cut-back for Christian Eriksen’s opener that was his first assist since the 2020/21 campaign. In the post-match fall-out, Ten Hag stressed Wan-Bissaka has a future in Manchester.
However, TEAMtalk has exclusively learned that while that may be the case, it won’t necessarily prevent a January exit via the loan route.
Wan-Bissaka returning to London?
Wolves are understood to be showing interest in bringing Wan-Bissaka on board. However, a return to London is appearing far more likely.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are both in the mix and the latter’s chairman, Steve Parish, recently confirmed loan opportunities will be explored next month.
Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, told us a return to Selhurst Park is the likeliest outcome on a six-month loan.
“There is a real battle now to secure the signature of Aaron Wan-Bissaka,” said Bailey.
“It is easy to forget he is a £50m defender but this could be the best thing to happen for him.
“He will move on loan and get the chance to play regular first-team football, something that will not be happening under Erik Ten Hag.
“Crystal Palace, his former club, have always looked the most likely landing spot and it is believed that remains the case as they do want him back at Selhurst Park.
“Wolves have made a real effort too, but it is hard for him to reject a move back to south London and United are allowing him to make the decision.”
