Manchester United are worried about breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, which is why they are looking at moving on academy graduates as their sales constitute pure profit.
While Marcus Rashford seems the most obvious candidate with the Mancunian having already expressed his desire to leave, not too many clubs have come forward for his signature.
Which has meant INEOS are open to moving on Alejandro Garnacho this window, despite the Argentine being classified as untouchable not too long ago.
While Napoli were the first to start the bidding, recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are in pole position with the academy graduate open to leaving, having grown disillusioned since Ruben Amorim came in.
Garnacho to Chelsea links grow
Should the 20-year-old leave, the Red Devils will need to find a quality alternative with CaughtOffside claiming Tyler Dibing of Southampton is seen as the perfect replacement.
Amorim will know all about the 18-year-old, who was on fire against the 20-time English league champions in their most recent meeting.
The Saints academy product has four goals and two assists this term and despite Southampton being bottom of the Premier League, the England U21 international has stood out with his skills and technical qualities.
With Ivan Juric’s team looking favourite to go down, many teams will be looking at acquiring Dibling in the summer when his price is expected to drop.
But United will need reinforcements immediately with the Saints slapping a £55 million price tag on him should any side come for him this January.
Dibling as Garnacho’s replacement
“Manchester United are looking to step up their interest in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling this January transfer window. The Red Devils are bracing for the possible departure of Alejandro Garnacho, with Chelsea believed to be readying a bid worth at least £60 million and the winger open to a move to London.
“As a result, United will look to bring in Dibling, who has enjoyed a breakout season for Premier League strugglers Saints.
“The Old Trafford club could push for a deal this transfer window but there is every chance that the £55 million price tag that Southampton have put on him would inevitably drop at the end of the season should the south coast club get relegated.”
Interestingly, there has been talk of United going after Christopher Nkunku should Garnacho move to the Blues with the Frenchman’s goalscoring ability highly valued by the Old Trafford side.
However, certain sections within INEOS feel Dibling would be a far better alternative due to his playmaking ability. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee already there, the club feel they need someone who can feed the strikers and Dibling is seen as the perfect recruit.
Dibling over Nkunku
“Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku is exploring an exit from Stamford Bridge, with the club open to allowing any player who wishes to leave to move on, as CaughtOffside previously reported.
“At United, there are some within the club who view the Frenchman as a valuable addition, given his proven goal-scoring record—something United are in desperate need of.
“However, others within the hierarchy, particularly those within Ineos, believe the focus should instead be on improving service to current forwards like Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
“They believe investing in a versatile attacker like Tyler Dibling, who has the potential to develop and grow with the club, would be a more worthwhile approach for the long term.”
Whether either of the two come to United this month remains to be seen. Fans would prefer the club to keep Garnacho but PSR concerns might mean an exit is inevitable.
Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
