Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils set to complete move for defender, club identifies three alternatives for transfer target, and more - 9th January 2018

Hello and welcome to the daily Manchester United transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours!

Nine days have already passed and the transfer rumour mill continues to be filled to the brim and spilling out a lot of tittle-tattle about clubs and players regarding transfer activities.

Coming to Manchester United, the rumour mill has been churning out oodles of stories regarding the club since the past few months.

According to today's top stories, United might finally be just an inch away from solving their defensive frailties by signing a much-needed center-back.

Also, the effect of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival isn't limited to what we have seen on the pitch; the interim boss has also persuaded one of the players to stay put at the club.

On that note, let's have a look at the top stories concerning Manchester United for today.

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#3 Ander Herrera set to extend his stay

Ander Herrera looks set to extend his stay at Manchester United

If reports from The Sun are to be believed, Ander Herrera has been convinced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to put pen to paper to a new deal at the club. The Spaniard, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is free to talk to foreign clubs this month.

However, Solskjaer's trust has convinced Herrera to stay put at the club. The 29-year-old earns £120,000-a-week and would be valued at £20m under contract. The Red Devils triggered his one-year extension last season.

Herrera, a fan favourite at Old Trafford given his love for the club, has been eyed by his former employers Athletic Bilbao. Bilbao director Rafael Alkorta confirmed the club's intentions about going after the midfielder as he quoted,

"We are interested in Javi Martinez, Ibai, Ander Herrera, Fernando Llorente... we're interested in all of them. We still haven't made progress. We'll get together on Tuesday to see what can be done. I have just returned and this week we will look at our options."

However, Alkorta has also admitted that no progress has been made over the thought of bringing Herrera back to Spain.

#2 Manchester United identify three alternatives for Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly has been on Manchester United's radar for a long time

Manchester United have been in hot pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly but it seems they will have to wait until summer to get their man. And, in case if they fail to do so, Ed Woodward and co already have a plan B in place to solve their problem.

According to ESPN via Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have shortlisted three players to turn to should they fail to land Koulibaly.

Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar, AC Milan's Alessio Romagnoli and Leicester's Harry Maguire are all on the club's radar as alternatives to the Senegalese center-back.

Manchester United have already been told that they will have to shell out more than £100m if they wish to sign Koulibaly.

On the other hand, Real Madrid are also said to be plotting a move to sign the 27-year-old, which means a tug-of-war is certain to take place in the coming weeks.

#1 Kostas Manolas set to sign for Manchester United

Manchester United are closing in on Kostas Manolas

According to Marca via Metro, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Kostas Manolas from AS Roma. the 27-year-old has a £30.75m release clause which won't be activated until summer.

However, United are keen to complete the deal as soon as possible, out of the fear of losing him to another club.

Manolas also hinted about a move to the Premier League last summer when he said,

"It’s only natural you want to play for the biggest clubs, like Barcelona , Manchester United , Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich."

Manchester United have also been rumoured to be plotting a move for Eder Militao, but should they opt to sign Manolas, Spanish giants Real Madrid will have no rival left to battle against for the Porto defender.

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