Despite recent reports, it is believed that Manchester United are hopeful of being active during the January transfer window, with a new centre-forward expected to be targeted.
The Red Devils are working to a strict budget, though, due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder is not expected to be ratified by the Premier League until the end of the winter market.
There will need to be outgoings for the books to be balanced, and Donny van de Beek will be the first to go, with the Netherlands international set to join Eintracht Frankfurt on an initial loan deal.
However, a number of other players are being linked with exits, and while mid-season departures for the likes of Raphael Varane and Casemiro are highly unlikely, there are some who could leave Old Trafford in January.
With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three players who could be on the move when the winter market opens for business.
Jadon Sancho
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Sancho has not played for Man United since the end of August due to his falling-out with head coach Erik ten Hag, who said that he left the attacker out against Arsenal at the start of September due to some poor performances from the ex-Manchester City youngster on the training field.
The 23-year-old is not involved with the first team in any capacity, having seemingly refused to apologise to Ten Hag for his outburst on social media after the Arsenal match.
Sancho's career at Old Trafford is all but over, and he is widely expected to leave in January, but a mid-season deal is complicated due to the fact that Man United are not willing to sell him for a cut-price fee.
The forward has only managed 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances for the Red Devils, but he was one of the most in-demand attackers in world football during his time at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 50 goals and registering 64 assists in 137 appearances in all competitions.
The strongest interest at this moment in time is believed to be coming from Bundesliga trio Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig.
Anthony Martial
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Martial's contract at Man United is due to expire at the end of the campaign, and the Red Devils allegedly have no intention of activating an extension to take him until June 2025.
The 28-year-old has been a regular for Ten Hag's side this season, featuring on 19 occasions in all competitions, but he has only managed two goals and two assists.
Martial has not played for the 20-time English champions since the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League on December 9, with Ten Hag saying that the striker has not been available for the team's last five games in all competitions due to illness.
There is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future, with a number of Saudi Arabian clubs said to be interested in his signature.
Meanwhile, the strongest European interest is thought to be arriving from Inter Milan, and it is possible that he could leave in January if Man United are able to bring in a replacement.
Hannibal Mejbri
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Hannibal has featured on 10 occasions for Man United this season, scoring once, with five of his appearances coming in the Premier League, but he has only started once in England's top flight this term.
The competition for midfield spots will increase in January when Casemiro and Mason Mount return to fitness, and it is understood that Hannibal is preparing to leave on loan.
The 20-year-old only has a contract at Old Trafford until next June, but it is possible that a new long-term deal could be announced by Man United before he departs on loan.
A recent report claimed that Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg are currently battling to sign him on a short-term basis, and a deal could move quickly, as he will not represent Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Hannibal impressed during a loan spell at Birmingham City in 2022-23, and it does appear that he is in Man United's long-term plans, so regular football in the second half of this season would benefit all parties.
Matt Law
