Manchester United have had a quiet January transfer window but with one player linked with a move out of Old Trafford, their first signing under Michael Carrick could be sanctioned late on
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has not welcomed any new players at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United face paying £26million (€30m) to sign Stade Rennais striker Mohamed Kader Meite in the January transfer window, according to reports in France.
Meite, 18, has rapidly become one of Europe's most wanted talents after his emergence in Ligue 1. The striker has scored three goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season after previously bagging 14 in 32 games at youth level.
French outlet Quest-France have reported that United have registered an interest in the teenager. It comes after Foot Mercato suggested that United are preparing to ambush Al-Hilal's move to sign the France Under-21 international.
However, the report from France claims United's interest is 'notable' and that a move could be triggered before the January window slams shut. However, it's understood that an exit will only be sanctioned if an offer of £26m comes in.
Mohamed Kader Meite celebrates
Mohamed Meite (No.39) has scored three Ligue 1 goals for Rennes this season(Image: )
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United are well stocked in attack after their summer outlay under Ruben Amorim. Over £200m was spent to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, with the former pair hitting the ground running.
Both players scored in Sunday's 3-2 win over Arsenal to make it two wins from two for Michael Carrick. Cunha has scored five Premier League goals since his move from Wolves, while Mbeumo has netted nine goals and is United's top scorer in the league.
Sesko has scored four goals himself, with his first two coming in quick succession earlier this season and the other two coming in the 2-2 draw against Burnley earlier this month. The 22-year-old has adapted well to English football, but Carrick has preferred Mbeumo in his first two games.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been key in Manchester United's performance this season(Image: PA)
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The other attacker in the United squad is Joshua Zirkzee. The Netherlands international seemed destined for a winter exit after struggling for game time under Amorim, but a move to Roma collapsed after the Portuguese was axed.
Juventus, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been mentioned as potential suitors in the final week of the January transfer window. However, an exit is only likely if United bring in another forward.
Meite is the first centre-forward to be linked with a move to Old Trafford since Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace forward has requested to leave the club this window, with Nottingham Forest and Juventus pursuing a move.
In the summer, Mateta was one of the strikers said to be on United's agenda before Sesko was brought in. Antoine Semenyo, Lassine Sinayoko and Dusan Vlahovic have also been mentioned in the past as potential targets.
United aren't expected to do any major business this month, with the focus on bolstering their midfield in the summer for next season.