Manchester United are expected to continue their transfer dealings in January after a busy summer window, with the future of wonderkid JJ Gabriel dominating headlines.
Barcelona 'advantage' in JJ Gabriel pursuit
Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona are exceedingly confident of signing JJ Gabriel, United's wantaway 15-year-old. The player and his representatives have been to Spain for talks over a move after requesting United de-register him, which the club has not yet done.
Spanish outlet Sport has reported that if Hansi Flick signs off on the deal, it could be formalised in a matter of days. The player and his entourage are said to have been impressed by the club's reputation for progressing young talent into the first team.
United eye Norway starlet
As they brace for Gabriel to depart, United are beginning to consider replacements, with reports from The Sun indicating they have sent scouts to Norway to watch Valerenga's Gabriel Rajkovic.
They will face competition for the 15-year-old, with Barcelona once again in the running. The player cannot move to England until he turns 16 in February.
CEO issues financial statement
United's financial accounts for the past year were released on Wednesday and included a statement from CEO Omar Berrada. He wrote that he was pleased with United's record revenues, which he insists shows the “strength” of the club's financial standing.
But he made clear United's financials must remain sustainable, particularly relating to transfers. Berrada wrote: “These results confirm that we are on the right trajectory, we will continue to take a disciplined approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.
“With that financial sustainability in mind, we have strengthened both our men's and women's teams during the summer window, and our men's team has seen the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford.”
It remains to be seen whether the club's transfer budgets may be slashed for coming windows after a significant summer outlay.
