(DDM) – Manchester United are reportedly closing in on their first transfer move of the January window, even as major off-field decisions continue to dominate discussions at Old Trafford following recent managerial changes.
The club is currently without a permanent head coach after the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this week, a development that has shifted immediate focus toward stabilising the dugout before attention fully turns to player recruitment.
United’s hierarchy is understood to be prioritising the appointment of a caretaker manager who will oversee the team for the remainder of the season.
Sources indicate that former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is among the leading candidates, with in-person talks scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Club legend Michael Carrick has also been consulted as part of the decision-making process, while Darren Fletcher remains another internal option being considered for the interim role.
A final decision is expected early next week, following United’s FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The club is keen to have a temporary manager in place ahead of the highly anticipated Manchester derby, which is scheduled to take place shortly after.
Once the coaching situation is resolved, United are expected to intensify their push in the transfer market.
Reports earlier in the week revealed that the club had submitted a bid of around €90 million, approximately £78 million, for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
The 21-year-old attacker has enjoyed an impressive season in the Bundesliga, contributing 11 goals and assists in just 16 appearances.
Diomande is currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he is playing alongside United forward Amad Diallo.
According to reports from Africafoot, Manchester United have proposed a four-year contract for the winger, with an option to extend the deal by an additional year.
However, negotiations appear to be complicated by Leipzig’s valuation of the player.
Manchester World reports that the German club are holding out for a fee closer to £86.5 million and are unwilling to sanction a January sale unless that figure is met.
This leaves United approximately £8.5 million short of Leipzig’s asking price, casting doubt over whether a deal can be completed this month.
Leipzig are said to prefer retaining Diomande until the summer, when market conditions may allow for a higher return.
Interest in the winger is also intense, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation closely.
The level of competition is believed to have strengthened Leipzig’s negotiating position.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has previously stated that Leipzig are determined to resist January offers, despite significant interest from top European clubs.
Romano noted that any mid-season transfer would likely require a fee well above €70 million, making a summer move more realistic.
For Manchester United, the coming days are expected to be decisive both on and off the pitch.
While supporters await clarity on the managerial front, the club’s pursuit of Diomande signals intent to strengthen the squad despite internal uncertainty.
Whether United are willing to bridge the £8.5 million gap may ultimately determine if their first January signing becomes a reality.
