Manchester United are midway through the January transfer window and are yet to make any notable moves in this year’s winter market.
Outgoings are required if United are to press on with bolstering Ruben Amorim’s squad, due to the financial restraints the club are currently working under.
Alejandro Garnacho was one of the players linked with a move away from Old Trafford with his status as an academy product making him a profitable asset to boost the books.
Italian giants Napoli looked to be the front-runners in the race for his signature but after seeing an offer rebuffed are now happy to focus on other targets this month.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the Serie A side submitted a £40 million for bid for the Argentine which was rejected by the United board.
With star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s exit close, Napoli are in the market for a replacement and Garnacho’s profile looked to fit the bill in Naples.
However, Antonio Conte is now happy to turn his attention elsewhere with the 2023 Scudetto Champions unwilling to match United’s asking price.
Garnacho’s valuation was estimated at a whopping €97.4m (£82.27m) by the CIES Football Observatory last week and it appears United are holding on for a fee closer to that figure.
Despite the deal now seemingly off the cards this month, agency sources maintain a deal for Garnacho could still be revived but it’s likely to now be in summer market.
Should the forward stay at Old Trafford this month he will be desperate to reclaim a regular starting place in the side.
Since Amorim’s arrival, the 20-year-old has struggled for consistency and found himself in and out of the side with his attitude being questioned by the new head coach.
However, there is clearly potential in a player who has been a rare shining light for United at times during the last two years and could yet prove a major asset to the club.
After starting back-to-back for the first time since early December, Garnacho will be vying for a spot in Amorim’s XI when Brighton visit Old Trafford this coming Sunday.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
