Manchester United have been approached by Besiktas about a post-deadline deal to sell Altay Bayindir, according to TEAMtalk.
The Red Devils had a very quiet January transfer window with no first-team arrivals or departures being sanctioned, although some young players saw their loan moves ended or moved elsewhere as the club continue to keep an eye on their development.
But United have now been approached over a deal that would see a first-team star depart the club this season, despite the window being closed, in a deal that could see manager Michael Carrick left short of options in a key area of the pitch.
Besiktas Make Approach for Altay Bayindir
altay bayindir
Bayindir, who stands at 6ft 5' and has been described as 'very fast', started the season under Ruben Amorim as the number one goalkeeper ahead of Andre Onana and Senne Lammens, before losing his place after a number of high-profile errors.
Since then, Bayindir hasn't featured at all for United, and that has seen Turkish giants Besiktas look at his situation at Old Trafford with interest, as they look to strengthen their own goalkeeper department before their transfer window closes next month.
However, despite the interest, it's understood that United chiefs have told them that they are in no position to sanction a deal as they can't replace him, and his exit would mean that the only senior cover in the squad is 39-year-old Tom Heaton, who is expected to retire at the end of the season and hasn't played a first-team game since a Carabao Cup game in the 2022/23 season.
As a result, Man Utd have told Besiktas that a deal is highly unlikely to happen this season as they are unwilling to take that risk as they chase Champions League qualification this season. Any deal is now viewed as 'highly improbable'.
Bayindir Could Leave Old Trafford This Summer
altay bayindir
Bayindir was always signed to be a number two at Old Trafford, and it was no surprise to see him eventually displaced by Lammens this season.
But the 27-year-old has always been keen to play regular football, and a return to Turkey in the summer now looks like an inevitable solution for all involved, especially considering that he will be entering the final year of his contract, albeit with United having the option to extend by a further 12 months.
A new goalkeeper is likely to arrive with Heaton and Bayindir's futures up in the air, and the summer seems perfect for him to move on.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe Related
Man Utd Prepared to Say Yes to Shock Exit for £61m Star, He's Ready to Leave
There could be a surprise departure from Old Trafford this summer