Manchester United are considering signing a new midfielder on loan in the January transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to reinforce his side at the midway point of the season and could look to bring a midfielder in on a temporary deal following injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
Speaking earlier in the week the Norwegian admitted United could sign as many as two new players this month with midfield the obvious area which needs strengthening.
“We are looking at a couple of signings,” Solskjaer said. “Strengthening here and there, but the core group is there and the attitude is there and the physical robustness.”
But who could United actually get on loan this month? MEN Sport looked at five different potential options who could fit the bill.
Marcos Llorente
Champions League winner Llorente is certainly an appealing option and could be convinced to move to Old Trafford this month given his lack of playing time.
The 24-year-old moved to Atletico Madrid last summer from fierce rivals Real Madrid but has only started three times in La Liga and played a further 58 minutes in the Champions League and Spanish Super Cup.
Llorente is better suited to a defensive role in midfield so would be a welcome addition to the first-team squad but would be unlikely to solve the lack of creativity which has cost Solskjaer’s side this season.
Ivan Rakitic
A lack of playing time could also open the door for Rakitc to complete a move this month, although is remains to be seen if new Barcelona manager Quique Setien gives him more playing time following his appointment.
The 31-year-old was crucial in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final and has been a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s recent dominance of Spanish football.
Rakitic would be a clear improvement on the quality already at United but doesn’t exactly fit with the transfer strategy of signing younger players.
Adrien Rabiot
United were interested in a move for Rabiot in the summer transfer window, but he opted for a move to Italian champions Juventus instead.
The French midfielder has struggled to establish himself under Maurizio Sarri and recent gossip suggests he is eager to secure a move this month.
Solskjaer could do much worse than the 24-year-old and his versatility could make him the ideal midfield addition in the January window.
Arturo Vidal
If Solskjaer wants to add experience this month then Vidal is an option who should certainly be considered this month. The 32-year-old has played a fair amount this season but reports suggest he could leave in January.
The Chilean midfielder would add much-needed grit and tenacity to the United midfielder but might not be an individual who could play every match.
In a similar vein to Rakitic it remains to be seen what role Vidal will occupy at Barcelona following their recent managerial change.
Leandro Paredes
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Paredes is another appealing option to consider this month given the fact he is only 25-years-old and would fit in with the transfer strategy of the club.
Paredes joined the French champions from Zenit a year ago but has struggled to earn a regular place under Thomas Tuchel since doing so.
The Argentina international is more suited to a deeper midfield role but has regular played as a central midfielder too, making him an appealing versatile option.