‘I don’t expect it to be a busy January’ – Manchester United director of football John Murtough reveals club are ‘planning for next summer’ amid links with Joao Felix and Wout Weghorst

Manchester United fans have been told to expect a quiet January transfer window with the club already ‘planning for next summer’.

Director of football John Murtough says he doesn’t expect the club will be busy this month following heavy investment last summer.

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Erik ten Hag was backed heavily with United splashing over £200million on players including Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.

It was revealed last month how the Red Devils were only prepared to make loan signings in January amid the Glazer family looking to sell United.

Speaking during United’s latest fans’ forum, as quoted by the Sunday Telegraph, Murtough appeared to echo the reports, though insisted a centre-forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo is being considered.

He said: “As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.

“January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go. It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward.

“We’ll see what’s possible in January, but we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.

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“We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings. You also need to remember that we invested over £200million in the squad last summer.

“And, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.

“So, while we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window on the men’s side.”

A number of players have been linked to United on loan, with Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix identified as a possible target.

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But the Red Devils are believed to be battling Arsenal in the race to secure the 23-year-old’s services on a temporary basis.

United flop Memphis Depay has also been mooted with a return to Old Trafford from Barcelona as the Dutchman eyes up a second spell.

His Netherlands team-mate Wout Weghorst is another striker that is on United’s radar.

talkSPORT understands that the Burnley man – on loan at Besiktas – has set his sights on joining compatriot Ten Hag at the Theatre of Dreams.

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