Man Utd plan clear out as RB Leipzig want Jadon Sancho and club eye Julen Lopetegui – Paper Round

Manchester United are planning a winter clearout

There are a number of players who could be on their way out of Old Trafford.

“Manchester United are likely to have to tighten their belts in the transfer market next year as the club bid to ensure they do not flout Premier League financial rules like Everton, a senior Old Trafford executive has warned,” the paper states.

“Collette Roche, United’s chief operating officer, has said they will not be busy in the January window with the focus on trimming their squad rather than adding to it.

“Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek was undergoing a medical with Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of a loan move to the Bundesliga club on Tuesday and United are also hoping to offload Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled by manager Erik ten Hag for almost four months for disciplinary reasons.

“The futures of Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the season, and unsettled midfielder Casemiro, are also uncertain with United open to offers.”

The Evening Standard reports that former Wolves, Real Madrid and Spain both Julen Lopetegui is in the frame to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Ten Hag is under pressure at Old Trafford, and the Spaniard is just one candidate.

“The former Real Madrid, Spain and Wolves manager is just one of the names recently touted to potentially take over the Manchester United hot seat when Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrives at Old Trafford.

“Lopetegui’s name has come up in reports regarding a potential new manager coming in at United, with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi also linked.

“The weekend’s goalless draw at Liverpool served to keep Erik ten Hag out of imminent danger of the sack but the upcoming minority takeover by INEOS billionaire Ratcliffe could change things, according to reports.

“One potential job opening for Lopetegui, at Nottingham Forest, is set to go to another ex-Wolves coach in Nuno Espirito Santo after Steve Cooper’s exit was rubberstamped.”

The Mirror suggests that RB Leipzig are another Bundesliga team who are keen on Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho.

The winger is persona non grata under Erik ten Hag and they might offer him a way out in January.

“Sancho, 23, swapped the Bundesliga for the Premier League back in the summer of 2021 but struggled to replicate his dazzling Borussia Dortmund form for United. And things have got even worse for the England winger during Erik ten Hag ‘s premiership.

“The Dutchman banished Sancho from the first-team squad earlier this season after a public fallout back in September. Both Sancho and United are now understood to be open to a transfer in January and a handful of potential suitors for the £73million man are now starting to emerge.

“Leipzig are interested in Sancho’s services and could table an offer for him in the coming weeks, however, the player’s £17million-a-year salary would complicate any move.”

Lyon are keen on Chelsea central defender Benoit Badiashile, The Sun reports.

The Frenchman has struggled to nail down a place at Stamford Bridge and may now go back to Ligue 1.

“The centre-back joined the Blues from Monaco for £35million in January 2023.

“But he could already be set for a move back to Ligue 1 with Lyon making him a “priority” target,

“The French giants have at least £45million to spend in next month’s transfer window and they are desperate for additions amid their shock relegation battle.

“Lyon are seven-time winners of the title but currently sit 16th – just two points off the bottom of the table.”