Manchester United transfer reporter notebook: Casemiro unlikely to leave but decision needed on Raphael Varane

Donny van de Beek has signed for Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Manchester United, but what other business can we expect this month at Old Trafford? Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth looks ahead to the transfers that could take place...

Sky Sports News Reporter @skysports_sheth

Tuesday 2 January 2024 17:56, UK

It is likely to be a quiet window for Manchester United as far as incomings are concerned, although areas they are looking at are up front and in central defence.

Longer-term targets are expected to be pursued in the summer due to the difficulty of getting a deal done in January and also with an eye on complying with FFP regulations.

Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is someone they are aware of, and the release clause is understood to be in the region of £15.6m (€17m).

Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is also a player they have scouted for a while, but his valuation could prove prohibitive in this window.

United — like they did last January — could look at the loan market, but manager Erik ten Hag has been quick to point out a number of injured players are expected to return this month.

In their current squad, Raphael Varane has entered the final year of his contract and is free to talk to clubs outside England ahead of a move in the summer.

United have the option to extend his contract by a further year, but — as it stands — are unlikely to do so on the current terms. Talks are continuing over a new contract and he remains part of Ten Hag's plans.

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Casemiro is unlikely to leave this window amid speculation over his future. Ten Hag has been talking up his