EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd open Onana talks as Everton chase McTominay deal

Steve Kay

• 8 Jan 2024 04:35 CST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Manchester United have initiated talks with Everton midfielder Amadou Onana for January, FootballTransfers can reveal.

Sources have told us that head coach Erik ten Hag wanted the 22-year-old instead of Sofyan Amrabat in the summer, but they simply didn't have the funds to buy him at the time. We are informed that money is there to bring in one significant signing in January, while the rest would be loan deals.

One of the reasons why the Premier League giants want to bring in Onana from Goodison Park is because of the youngster’s versatility - he can play anywhere across the backline as well as in the No.6 position.

Sir Jim Ratclffe’s recruitment revamp

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, whose partial stake in the club was announced on Christmas Eve, want to totally revamp the whole of the Man Utd midfield, including squad players who will be allowed to leave either in January or the summer. Despite their poor run of form, the Red Devils still have aspirations to challenge for Champions League football next season.

Meanwhile, Everton have a long-standing admiration for Scott McTominay going back to the summer. We understand that the Scotland international - who almost left Old Trafford during the last window to West Ham - is a major transfer target for Sean Dyche, who is looking for Premier League-proven players who can come in and make an immediate impact on the side.

There is the idea, according to sources, that a deal involving the two players could benefit all parties.

Everton and Man Utd are hamstrung by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations but such a deal would give each side room for manoeuvre. Man Utd know that they must invest in the squad if they are to stand any chance of securing a spot in a European competition next season.