Man Utd make FINAL decision on striker transfer

Manchester United have reportedly accepted defeat in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Endrick amid competition from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais.

The Red Devils had identified the 19-year-old as a key transfer target ahead of the upcoming January window, with Ruben Amorim reportedly eager to land a new centre forward to provide cover for summer signing Benjamin Sesko.

Endrick has only made one appearance so far this term, after failing to work his way into Xabi Alonso’s preferred starting XI at Real Madrid, and he is widely expected to leave Los Blancos in January.

Alonso has insisted that Endrick is “ready” for regular first-team minutes, however has been unable to force his way into the Spaniard’s thinking since his appointment this summer and a temporary departure is expected to be sanctioned.

Man Utd initiated talks with Real Madrid over a possible January move for Endrick amid his lack of game time in the Spanish capital, however the proposed transfer has now collapsed as Los Blancos have no intention of sanctioning a permanent exit.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who claim that Man Utd were only interested in signing Endrick permanently, with a loan deal of little interest to the Red Devils.

Lyon are now considered to be the frontrunners to land the Brazil youngster during the winter transfer window and talks are expected to intensify as January edges closer.

Man Utd’s January transfer plans

With a move for Endrick now extremely unlikely to take place, it remains to be seen if Man Utd will turn their attention to finalising a deal for an alternative striker.

The Red Devils are also interested in landing a new central midfielder in January and it’s understood that bolstering the options in the middle of the park is considered to be a priority.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) have both been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch in recent weeks, with Amorim’s side identifying the duo as key targets.

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