The Premier League is approaching the winter transfer window, which opens on January 1st.placeholder image
The Premier League is approaching the winter transfer window, which opens on January 1st. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
Manchester United and Crystal Palace could be at the centre of many January transfer stories
With just 16 days until the January transfer window opens on New Year’s Day, the rumours are beginning to come in thick and fast as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs desperately try to make the signings needed to reach their lofty goals.
One club usually at the centre of a lot of the biggest transfer headlines is Manchester United. The Red Devils have seen big-money signings, ‘bomb squad’ members and managerial speculation hit headlines across recent months and years, and they are set to have their fair share of action in January once again.
Another top-flight outfit who might be in the headlines more than they would like in January is Crystal Palace. The Eagles have built a magnificent side under Oliver Glasner but, such is the power of the division’s biggest clubs, that the south London outfit have seen several key players linked with a mid-season exit. It will make intriguing viewing to see which, if any, Palace stars depart Selhurst Park in January.
Man United could look to seal Crystal Palace swap deal
Man United have seen renewed links to Crystal Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz, with Caught Offside reporting that the Red Devils are ‘monitoring the progress’ of the in-demand 29-year-old.
They are not alone in their admiration for the Colombian, though, as local rivals Manchester City are also said to have ‘compiled extensive scouting data’ ahead of a move, while Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been linked. He is reportedly valued at €40m (£34m).
Munoz is an ideal fit for United’s wing-back system and is the “best in the league” according to Jamie Carragher, while his addition on the right for the Red Devils would free up Amad Diallo to become an option in his more natural role further forward. While Amad is a reliable member of Ruben Amorim’s side at wing-back, there is no doubt that Munoz could elevate it to another level.
Palace are not believed to be in any rush to sell Munoz, who is under contract until 2028, and aim to hold onto him until at least next summer. Amidst other high-profile departures touted for the likes of Marc Guehi, Glasner will be wary of seeing his side ripped apart in the winter ahead of what currently appears set to be a challenge for the top six this season.
United could offer Joshua Zirkzee in swap to secure Munoz
Munoz has previously admitted his desire to play for a huge club such as United, telling AS in November: “If you ask me, it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs, whether it’s Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United.
“I think I’m working towards that. I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs, because for me, it’s a dream to get there.”
With the Eagles likely to be reluctant to sell to a domestic rival, United could offer a player in part-exchange in the shape of Joshua Zirkzee. The 24-year-old has been linked with an Old Trafford exit this January and while a return to Serie A is believed to be his preference, the Dutchman could get his Premier League career back on track at Selhurst Park.
Zirkzee scored a stunning equaliser during the Red Devils’ recent victory at Palace, and so Glasner will have seen first-hand the quality which the former Bologna forward possesses. With Jean-Phillipe Mateta linked with a move away and Eddie Nketiah struggling to find his feet in the blue and red, Zirkzee could be a decisive arrival as the Eagles look to compete across multiple fronts this season.
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