Ralf Rangnick is close to completing his first signing as Manchester United manager, with midfielder Amadou Haidara likely to move to Old Trafford in January as along as one condition is overcome.
The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of the German as interim manager last Monday morning. The 63-year-old will be in charge until the end of the season before the club then appoints a new permanent boss and Rangnick moves upstairs.
In terms of his current squad, the 63-year-old is expected to strengthen in the New Year. But he is not expected to spend heavily.
And The Sun claims that the identity of his first addition will be Haidara. But that is only if United are willing to pay £32million next month.
The Leipzig midfielder has a release clause in his current contract that comes into effect in the summer. However, it’s reported in Metro that his dream is to move to the Premier League, and if United can match Leipzig’s demands then that could happen six months earlier than planned.
Rangnick took the dynamic midfielder with him to Leipzig from Salzburg two years ago. And the report claims that he is already said to have spoken with the player’s agent, Volker Struth, and a deal is all but agreed.
However, one barrier remains in the shape of the African Nations Cup with Haidara set to represent Mali.
United must decide if they want to sign a player in January who will miss most of the month due to the tournament and could need a mini-break straight after.