Who are the late January targets that are on Manchester United’s radar?

Crashing out of the Champions League last month and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny this season, Manchester United find themselves in the midst of another public struggle.

However, with it confirmed last month that British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed a 25% takeover at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are expected to have some cash to spend over the final days of January’s transfer window.

Although there might be continued speculation that the likes of Anthony Martial could be heading for a late from the red half of Manchester, Erik ten Hag has drawn up his wishlist.

In what could be a hectic end to the January transfer window at Old Trafford, we have taken a look at some of the European superstars that have been linked with a late move to Manchester.

Matthijs de Ligt – Bayern Munich

With growing speculation over Raphael Varane’s future at Old Trafford and Lisandro Martinez dealing with a string of injury issues this season, it is no secret that ten Hag has defensive reinforcements at the top of his January wishlist.

Gaining a reputation for their issues at the back this season and already shipping 29 Premier League appearances, it appears that the Dutch tactician is keen on a reunion with one of his former Ajax starlets.

Although Thomas Tuchel might have publicly stated that he has no intention of parting ways with Matthijs de Ligt before the January transfer window slams shut, there has been plenty of suggestions that the 24-year-old is eyeing a late move away from the Allianz.

The Netherlands defender was one of the stars of ten Hag’s Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019, joining Juventus later that year for a fee of £65.6million.

Reportedly not willing to settle for a spot on Bayern’s bench with EURO 24 fast approaching this summer, it has been suggested that de Ligt would be open to pushing through a move to Manchester United before Deadline Day.

🔴 News Matthijs de Ligt: Due to his character and attitude, he is very popular in the team and the club!

➡️ However, the 24 y/o is not 100% satisfied
➡️ Not a regular starter under Tuchel when everyone is fit, and Bayern is pursuing Araujo!

A winter transfer is not on the… pic.twitter.com/2l0WFq71yU

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 15, 2024

Brian Brobbey – Ajax

While de Ligt might remain heavily linked with a late Manchester United switch this month, the Dutch international is not the only one of ten Hag’s former protégés that could be set for a Premier League move.

With Rasmus Hojlund notching just a pair of Premier League strikes since completing a £72million move from Italian outfit Atalanta, fans around Old Trafford are desperate to see a new attacking option come through the doors over the final few days.

Although Antony might have found himself at the heart of a real Premier League nightmare since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2022, it appears that ten Hag is keen on another raid of his former employers.

While Brian Brobbey might have been linked with a move to the red half of Manchester last summer, the 21-year-old still has plenty of admirers around Old Trafford.

Notching 13 strikes and providing a further four assists for the Dutch icons this season, it has been suggested that ten Hag has identified Brobbey as his number one attacking target this month.

Manchester United are interested in signing Ajax striker Brian Brobbey in the January transfer window, according to Sky Germany 📝

Brobbey has 40 goals and 11 assists in 101 appearances for Ajax, with his current contract not due to expire until June 2027 🔗

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 20, 2024

Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace

Slumping to a woeful 5-0 drumming away at Arsenal over the weekend and with Crystal Palace’s travelling support making their feelings clear at the full-time whistle, it is no secret that Roy Hodgson has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders at Selhurst Park.

Crashing out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 loss away at fellow strugglers Everton last week, the one-time England boss has seen his struggling squad muster just a single win from any of their last 12 straight meetings against Premier League opposition.

However, although Palace might be looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Eberechi Eze has continued to gain a string of plaudits and finds his stock at a red-hot high.

Although the England international might have signed a new long-term deal at Selhurst Park back in November, the ex-QPR starlet has remained heavily linked with a big-money move away from south London.

While it might have been suggested that Palace value their attacking talisman in the region of £80million, reports over the weekend have suggested that ten Hag is keen on breaking the bank and mounting a dramatic late swoop.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿| Manchester United are ready to pay £60m to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze in the summer.

[Fichajes] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/IemsPuHv9n

— UtdActive (@UtdActive) January 21, 2024