Manchester United transfer news LIVE: Ivan Toney monitored, Leny Yoro move ruled out, Antony’s agent responds to rumours

Mark Goldbridge column

In an exclusive column for talkSPORT.com, Mark Goldbridge delivers his verdict on the players Manchester United should keep or sell…

It’s all change at Manchester United at the moment with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS getting to work… and there’s plenty for them to do.

Lille battle on pause

Manchester United won't be signing highly-rated Lille defender Leny Yoro this January.

The 18-year-old is seen as the next off the production line in north France as one of football's premier young centre backs.

That's seen him linked with United and also PSG and Real Madrid.

However, after the club president ruled a move out, his manager Paulo Fonseca has followed suit.

“The first thing, and Leny understands it, is that he stays here,” Fonseca said.

"This week I had a big conversation with him. We talked about the situation, I told him what I think, what he should do.

"He understands, he agrees that he must continue to work here and only think about Lille."

“Leny is young, but he is balanced,” he added. “I see the same attitudes compared to the start of the season. It’s the same Leny.

"I know it’s not easy when a young player starts to attract the interest of the best clubs. But Leny is very balanced, he is calm, focused on our team."

Casemiro 'happy' at Man United

Casemiro has revealed that he's still very happy at Manchester United despite suggestions about a move away.

Speaking to the club website, he said: It's all amazing.

"Since the first day, I was made to feel very welcome by the club, the players and the fans. I received so much love - on and off the pitch.

"It was a unique and magical experience, and I needed such an experience. I am so happy in Manchester with everything the city and the club offer me.

"I am happy with that and with helping the club improve and get back to the path of achievements. So yeah, I'm happy to play for Manchester United."

Donny van de Beek struggles

Donny van de Beek was hooked off after just 45 minutes of Eintracht Frankfurt's win over Mainz on Friday.

The Dutch midfielder is currently on loan from Manchester United in a deal that includes the option to make that switch permanent in the summer.

However questions could already be asked over his prospects of a permanent move after being brought off at the break.

Van de Beek had just 14 touches in the first half of the game and carried out just three passes in the opposition half.

Even more worrying is that the midfielder is yet to complete 90 minutes in his three matches with the German side.

Unless his level of influence improves there's every chance that he could find himself back at Old Trafford this summer.

Neville urges Osimhen to pick Arsenal over Man United

Gary Neville believes that Victor Osimhen should choose to join Arsenal over Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Napoli striker is set to leave the Italian side at the end of the season after the club president confirmed their agreement.

But while ex-Red Devil Neville would prefer the striker to head to Old Trafford, he believes that Arsenal are currently best equipped to give him what he wants.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Neville said: "I think I’d look at it and I’d go, at the moment, Arsenal.

"Obviously, we’re talking about everyone offering the same thing, that’s what you want, blah blah blah in your contract.

"I mean, to be honest, they earn so much now that you can just choose where you want to go. I would say, Arsenal are probably a centre-forward away from winning things.

"Chelsea are a centre-forward away from becoming competitive again. Manchester United are a centre-forward away from improving, but they’ve still got a long way to go. If I were him, you want to go somewhere where you think you’re going to win things."

Hannibal excluded from Sevilla team

Sevilla boss Quiche Sanchez Flores has confirmed that Hannibal won't feature for the team until he has matured.

The midfielder arrived from Manchester United earlier this month but after being left out of their last match, the midfielder will continue to be excluded until he understands what it takes to play for Sevilla.

Sanchez Flores said: "After being with him, talking to him and having seen his first minutes in Girona, we are going to give him the necessary space to understand where he is, that he is at Sevilla and what it means. He has to know where he is and we want to see him.

We have spoken with him and we believe that he has to have some time to learn, we wanted to give him space, time for him to see things from the outside and then he will return to the squad.

In the end they are kids who have come and suddenly land in a huge club like Sevilla in circumstances of maximum demand. And they need a bit of location.

And that location may be seen better from the outside than from the inside. You should take a step to understand what we want. Let's see if the boy applies himself and I think that in the end he will understand perfectly what we want."

Cameroon coach plays down Onana row talk

Cameroon coach Rigobert Song has played down suggestions that he's fallen out with Andre Onana.

The Manchester United goalkeeper was dropped for their crucial AFCON group stage clash with Gambia last week, a match that saw them progress to the knockout rounds.

Onana missed the first match of the group stage after a torrid journey, before conceding three goals in their second fixture.

But discussing the situation on Friday, Song said: "I have no problem with my goalkeepers.

"hey are all competitive and ready to respond when they need to play. There is no controversy. They get along very well.

"We have already conceded six goals and tomorrow we will find the formula to not concede."

Nemanja Matic has a new club!

Okay, so it’s not strictly Manchester United news any more but Nemanja Matic has been on the move.

The Serbian star spent five years at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022 before leaving on a free transfer to join Roma.

He then joined French club Rennes over the summer, but now the 25-year-old has joined Ligue 1 side Lyon in the hope of helping the French giants move away from their current relegation struggles.

Michael Olise would 'prefer Man United move'

Michael Olise would pick Manchester United over Chelsea as interest in his services steps up.

The Crystal Palace man is attracting plenty of top-level, but according to Football London, a move to Old Trafford would be his preference.

The French star turned down a move to Chelsea last summer before signing a new contract at Selhurst Park, but it's likely another transfer saga will be played out this summer.

Based on his performances this season and the fact he's scored five times in nine appearances, its' no surprise...

Red alert

Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that Victor Osimhen is set to leave the club this summer.

The Nigerian striker is one of the most sought-after stars in world football right now after guiding the Naples-based side to their first Serie A title in 30 years last term.

In that campaign, Osimhen scored 31 goals for Napoli, a tally that he’s followed up with eight in 18 appearances this term.

Having signed a new contract last month, the striker’s deal is said to include a release clause that’s worth £112million, paving the way for a potential summer exit.

Speaking of Osimhen’s future, the Napoli president said: “This [Osimhen’s exit] was already known since this summer, our negotiations [over the new contract] were friendly, otherwise it would not have been so long.”

De Laurentiis then added: “We knew he would go to Real Madrid, PSG or a top English club.”

The 25-year-old has rarely been out of the headlines in recent months with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea among the Premier League clubs linked with a move for him.

Osimhen also hinted at what the future might hold in an interview last week.

Speaking to CBS Sports, Osimhen said: “I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season.

“The Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world.

“I want to finish the season with Napoli strong then come up with the decision I’ve already made.”

Pep talk

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola sent an ominous message to Man United after pinching Omar Berrada for their new chief executive.

“Obviously his knowledge goes to United, that’s the reality,” said Guardiola. “We learned a lot from Omar but he’s learned a lot from the club and now he’s gone to United. He is a lovely person: incredible character, incredible professional. Yesterday I saw him, we hugged and I wished him all the best, deeply, because he’s a fantastic person.”

He added: “Maybe United thinks with this person everything is going to change – congratulations. I don’t know if this is going to happen.

“But I don’t know if by doing this, everything is going to be sorted and it works. If it does happen then, oh my god, they have to make a stand for Omar Berrada in the future because he’d deserve it.”

Ten Hag on possible incomings 

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United won’t be able to sign a new striker this month due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Ten Hag has admitted he would like to fill United’s ‘gap’ in attack.

But he claims the club won’t be able to sanction such a move before the January transfer window shuts.

He said: “I looked but there is no space. No space on Financial Fair Play to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position.

"Of course, Marcus Rashford can play as a striker, we have some other alternatives and it's clear Anthony Martial is out for a couple of months. 

“It's a gap in our squad, that is clear."

Toney race heats up

Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Ivan Toney this summer.

Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen to land the Brentford striker at the end of the season with the 27-year-old expected to stay put this month.

The Athletic claim United are now closely monitoring Toney’s situation too and could make a big-money move in the summer.

‘Complete and utter waste of time’

Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan gave a damning verdict of Anthony Martial’s time at Manchester United.

Summing up his stay, Jordan simply said: “I look at him as a complete and utter waste of time for Manchester United.”

He added: “I’m very dubious about whether we’ll ever see Anthony Martial in a Manchester United shirt again. 

“We told you two or three weeks ago that he has no intention of walking out on that big money contract because he knows he won’t get that money anywhere else.

“There have been fanciful links with Karim Benzema, I can tell you that definitely isn’t going to happen. 

"In fact it’s unlikely that Manchester United make any significant signings this window despite the fact Martial’s absence does leave them short up front.

“I think Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan is to take stock during this window and then hit it quite hard during the summer.”

Vitek signs

Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has signed a new contract with the club and joined Accrington Stanley on loan for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old has committed his future to the Red Devils until June 2027.

He will now look to continue his development at League Two side Accrington.

United said: “Everyone at United would like to wish Radek the very best of luck for his loan spell.”

Klopp leaving Liverpool

Huge news has just broken from Manchester United's Premier League rivals Liverpool that Jurgen Klopp is leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Reds have confirmed the shock news today with the German saying he is ‘running out of energy’ and has decided to step down.

Klopp said: “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.

“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.

“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

You can read more details here.

Wilson alert

Manchester United have reportedly been alerted to the possibility of signing Newcastle striker Callum Wilson this month.

Newcastle need to raise funds to balance their books and stay in line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. 

As such, the London Evening Standard report that England ace Wilson, who has scored 46 goals in 102 games for Newcastle, could be sold for as little as £18million next week.

It is said United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been told about the 31-year-old’s availability.

Vini boost

Real Madrid’s potential move for Kylian Mbappe this summer could help Manchester United land Vinicius Junior.

France superstar Mbappe has received an offer to join Real as a free agent in the summer, ESPN report.

While the 25-year-old is still weighing up his options, should be move to Spain, United could stand to benefit.

The Mirror add that Brazil winger Vinicius would become available if Mbappe joins Real and United are interested in the 23-yer-old.

Vinicius would still cost in excess of £100million but Real would reportedly be more willing to do business over him should Mbappe sign.

Sunderland interested in Amad Diallo - again

Sunderland have made a move to re-sign Amad Diallo on loan from Manchester United, according to The Mirror.

The winger spent last season on loan with the Wearsiders and scored 14 goals in 40 games for the club.

While injury curtailed the first half of the season, it remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag will look to keep him around at Old Trafford.

Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has previously spoken about a move for Diallo, saying: "The situation is clear.

"We have a positive relationship with the boy, his people and Manchester United. Can he improve us? Yes. Have we enquired? Yes. Have we kept in contact with him? Yes. My head would be on a stake if not!

"Even if he became available we might not get him. I regard him as a tier one player. He is a tier one player. We would be lucky if we got him on loan again. The level he can play at. He loved his time here. He loved the players and staff."

Where's there a Wil

Andy Goldstein says he is surprised that Manchester United aren't tempted by a move for Callum Wilson this month.

The Newcastle man is in the final 18 months of his contract and could be available for between £18million and £20million in the final days of the transfer window.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Darren Bent said: "For £20million you’d think a lot of people would be in for him, right?”"

“I’d take him at Man United, for £20million," Goldstein replied.

"Anthony Martial is out for 10 weeks and his contract’s not going to be renewed, so he’s gone. What an unbelievable player we’d have."

Martial latest

In case you missed it yesterday, Manchester United are not expecting to make any major signings this month despite Anthony Martial's injury lay-off.

Martial has been ruled out for around ten weeks after undergoing groin surgery, leaving manager Erik ten Hag short of striking options.

The Frenchman has been told his contract will not be renewed when it expires in the summer, ending a nine-year stay at Old Trafford.

A potential move for Karim Benzema has already been ruled out by talkSPORT sources.

Zirkzee update

Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked to Joshua Zirkzee during this transfer window.

Neither side have made an approach though, with a move in the summer seeming more likely.

There have also been reports claiming that the Bologna striker has a release clause of £34million.

Ben Jacobs has given an update on the situation, writing: “Arsenal and Man United are both tracking the Dutch forward with a view to the summer.

“There remains some confusion over Zirkzee’s summer release clause, but Bologna director Marco Di Vaio insists it is ‘only valid for Bayern.’

Goalkeeper set for loan

Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek is set to join Accrington Stanley on loan, according to Manchester Evening News.

The 20-year-old shot stopper has agreed to join the League Two side for the remainder of the season.

Vitek's deal will not include an option to buy in the summer.

The move is expected to go through before the weekend.

Pellistri latest

Facundo Pellistri looks set to sign for Granada but talks are still ongoing over a loan deal.

The Manchester United youngster, who wants the move, has been in negotiations with the La Liga side for weeks.

However, United are yet to give the green light, according to Fabrizio Romano.

As soon as the club agree to the deal, Pellistri is expected to fly to Spain and complete his medical.

Old Trafford fire sale

Mason Greenwood is set to be one of a list of players who are set to be sold by Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to kick off his overhaul of the club.

Along with transforming the Premier League giants off the pitch, the British billionaire is planning wholesale changes to the squad and wants to cash in on a host of unwanted stars.

Greenwood could be one of United's biggest sales, with the 22-year-old striker impressing during his loan spell at Getafe, with other LaLiga clubs - including Barcelona, according to reports - keeping tabs on him.

Atletico Madrid and Valencia have also been linked with an interest in the United academy graduate, who the club said will not play for them again after an internal investigation into the player after charges of attempted rape were dropped.

But Greenwood isn't the only young player United could offload, with Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez others who could leave.

According to The I, Ratcliffe is hoping to raise around £100million from player sales from their academy alone, a fee which could rise to beyond £200m with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Antony also possible outgoings.