Manchester United ponder using big-money player in swap deal to sign 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy: Reports

According to a report by TBR Football, Manchester United will look to include winger Antony in a possible swap deal for Flamengo youngster Lorran. The Red Devils will look to make some changes to their squad under new manager Ruben Amorim in the January transfer market.

One player whose future at the club could be re-evaluated is Antony. The 24-year-old Brazilian has yet to live up to expectations since joining the Red Devils for a reported £85 million from Ajax two seasons ago. In 87 games for United, he has managed 12 goals and five assists. This season, Antony has fallen down the pecking order, playing only 155 minutes in five games across competitions.

As per the aforementioned source, the club could consider using Antony to swap for young Flamengo talent Lorran in January. The 18-year-old is one of the highly-rated talents in Brazilian football. He has made 30 appearances for Flamengo’s first team, recording two goals and three assists.

Similar to Antony, Lorran operates as a right winger but can also function as an attacking or right midfielder. Manchester United have reportedly told Antony that he can join a new club in the upcoming transfer market. Thus, the player could return to his home country Brazil as he looks to revitalize his career.

Lorran reportedly has a release clause of £43 million but a swap deal involving Antony could see Flamengo reduce their asking price. He is also being monitored by fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United could sell Joshua Zirkzee in January

Manchester United could offload Joshua Zirkzee in the upcoming January transfer window. The 23-year-old centre-forward joined the Red Devils in the summer for a reported £36.5 million but has struggled in his debut season at the club.

Since marking his debut with a goal against Fulham on August 16, Zirkzee has failed to score again. He has only added two assists to his 17 appearances.

According to Italian news outlet CalcioMercato, new head coach Ruben Amorim could offer the Dutchman to other clubs in January. The Portuguese tactician prefers a 3-4-3 system with an imposing central striker.

Amorim will take charge of his first game at Manchester United on November 24 in an away game against Ipswich Town in the Premier League. How Zirkzee performs between now and the end of the year could determine his future at the club.