Manchester United have been linked with Kader Meitéplaceholder image
Manchester United have been linked with Kader Meité | AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd have been linked with a move for the Rennes star in the final days of the January transfer window.
Manchester United have no plans to move for Rennes youngster Kader Meité in the final days of the January transfer window.
United have been linked with a potential swoop for the 18-year-old forward before Monday's deadline, but Manchester World understand this is not going to happen. It had been claimed United have held talks with the player's entourage over a potential €30million (£26m) move.
Club sources say that United's interest in the player has been 'exaggerated' and there is a feeling that their name is being used to drum up interest from elsewhere in the teenager. Saudi club Al Hilal have also been credited with interest in Meité and would appear a more likely destination for the forward in the current window. Meité is a centre-forward and has scored three goals in 17 league appearances this season for Rennes.
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Manchester United plans in final days of window
Manchester United do not expect to conduct any major transfer business in the final days of the January transfer window, with their primary focus on a rebuild in the summer. United have prioritised a midfield refresh this year, while they are also in the market for a left winger and reinforcement at full-back.
United have not completely ruled out a late move for a midfielder this month, though it is still deemed unlikely. The club have reiterated they do not want to sign any short-term solutions and would prefer to spend their money on long-term additions to their squad in the summer. However, there is a concern that they are light in central midfield, and one injury could hamper their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Eliiot Anderson is viewed as the dream addition in midfield and is unattainable this month, while the club also hold strong interest in both Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. None of those top targets will be available in the winter window, when clubs are more reluctant to sell and prices are usually higher.
It means the short-term focus is on player exits, with both Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley poised to leave the club on loan for the remainder of the season. Collyer has agreed to join Hull and Wheatley is set to join Bradford, with both deals considered 'done', pending official announcements. Tyler Fredricson could also leave on loan before Monday's deadline, while Sekou Kone could join Lausanne-Sport on a deal until the summer.
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