Man Utd Transfer News Today: Fermin Lopez targeted as Romano confirms January signing

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

All the latest transfer news and gossip from Manchester United as updates arrive on Fermin Lopez, Benjamin Sesko’s replacement and the latest on Lisandro Martinez.

Man Utd open channels with Barcelona for Fermin Lopez

Man Utd might have signed three central midfielders in the summer, but they are on the hunt for another big name to add dynamism to the centre of the pitch, with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez and Pablo Barrios of Atletico Madrid both attracting interest from Old Trafford.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Matteo Moretto confirmed: “There's a Premier League club, Manchester United, that has a lot of things to sort out and is looking for a midfielder with the characteristics of Barrios and Fermin. They've inquired about both of them; there's no negotiation, just an inquiry.

“It's very unlikely that both will leave. Pablo Barrios is an indispensable player for Atletico and Fermin is key for Barca, but United are looking for those types of players.”

Moretto did concede that Barcelona are likely to listen to offers for their starters in January, but Jules Kounde is the only player earmarked to leave.

Lisandro Martinez lined up by Barcelona

While Man Utd target Fermin, Lisandro Martinez is attracting attention from Barcelona and could potentially move to Camp Nou in January.

Barca are seeking a left-sided centre-back and after Martinez’s outburst against United’s recruitment policy last summer, he could find himself leaving Old Trafford.

Although Josko Gvardiol is their “dream” target and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan is still admired, Martinez is seen as a more realistic option and Mundo Deportivo says that Barcelona have now “activated” their January plan to sign a centre-back.

Romano confirms Man Utd’s big January transfer plan

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Man Utd are ready to react to Benjamin Sesko’s latest injury setback by making at least one big striker signing in January.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he confirmed: “Sesko will be out at least until January, could be longer depending on the recovery process. Man United have decided internally with the staff, with the coach, with everyone at the club, that Sesko will only return to the pitch as soon as he is 100% fit.

“They don't want to face the risk of Sesko coming back for one game, two games, three games and getting injured again. He will only put his feet on the pitch again as soon as he feels very good. So, it could take time. United hope for January. Let's see when.

“Then, Manchester United are looking at strikers for the January transfer window. Manchester United are looking for a number nine, a traditional striker, let's say like this. Then let's see what's going to be available on the market. Let's see what kind of opportunities there will be. But Man United want to sign a striker. That's the update. That's the story.

“And we have to be careful because Man United want to consider a move regardless of what happens with the coach. So unless a new manager arrives and says: ‘I don't want a striker’, which sounds quite unlikely because United clearly need something up front, the club has started exploring opportunities for a new striker, a centre-forward.”

Romano also confirmed that Joshua Zirkzee has a “chance” of leaving in January.

Tresoldi interest confirmed

United are fighting with Arsenal over Club Brugge sensation Nicolo Tresoldi, according to Football Insider.

Tresoldi has become one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards after an electric start to the season in Belgium as well as four goals in his first three Champions League games of the season, leaving the Red Devils impressed.

The Germany U21 could sign for the Red Devils as part of an €80m January transfer revolution that would set the Manchester giants up for the next decade.

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