Man Utd set to sell £104m duo to boost transfer warchest as Chelsea battle Newcastle for £60m gem

The January transfer window is once again set to play a vital role at both the top and bottom of the Premier League table. Manchester United are one of the teams that could be active in the transfer window, although much of their business is likely to be dependent on the club’s ongoing takeover situation.

The Red Devils have endured a disappointing start to the campaign which has left them out of Europe entirely and outside the top six in the league. This poor run of form has prompted rumours of departures for two high-profile names in Casemiro and Raphael Varane. Erik ten Hag is determined to keep hold of the former Real Madrid duo, according to reports from ESPN. However, it appears that the recent ACL injury sustained by David Alaba has only amplified Real Madrid’s need for further reinforcements.

The Spanish giants are currently two points behind surprise package Girona in the La Liga title race - while they are also hoping to achieve Champions League glory in what may potentially be Carlo Ancelotti’s final season. Spanish outlet Cope.Es claim that the Red Devils will test Manchester United’s resolve by making a move for the four-time Champions League winner.

The 3AM verdict: Raphael Varane has failed to hit the heights expected of him in a Manchester United shirt since his arrival in 2021. The French international has been limited to just 55 appearances in the Premier League and through a mixture of injuries and age has lost some of the natural pace he had in his earlier years.

In spite of this, he remains Manchester United’s most talented defender - particularly with Lisandro Martinez injured. If the pair are to play together in the second half of the season it could transform the team back to the one we saw last term when they recorded more clean sheets than any other Premier League club. Varane remains vital to Man Utd’s Champions League hopes and should be kept until at least the end of the season.

Chelsea and Liverpool consider move for former Newcastle United target

Prior to the signing of Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United had set their sights on the blue and black side of Milan and had even made a £50m bid to sign Inter’s Nicolo Barella. Barella has been one of the top performing midfielders in Serie A for a number of years and is blessed with the ability to control the game with his exceptional passing and exuberance in midfield.

The 26-year-old's talent helped Inter Milan to a league and cup double in 2021 - in a summer which also saw him lift a European Championship with Italy. Spanish outlet Fichajes claims both Liverpool and Chelsea are watching the star closely - although it is likely that he will cost in excess of £60m.

The 3AM verdict: If there is one thing Chelsea do not have a shortage of then it is midfielders and the club have already splashed out over £200m to land both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea also have Connor Gallagher at their disposal and should work to harness the talents of the players they have given their lack of European football.

On the other hand, Liverpool could benefit greatly from a player of Nicolo Barella’s quality - particularly with the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, plus the injury problems of Thiago Alcantara.

Barella possess many of the qualities that Liverpool are missing at the moment and the Italian’s intelligence and composure would make him an asset as a deep lying playmaker. It would also open the door for Alexis Mac Allister to move further up the field. Given Liverpool’s failed attempts to sign both Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, it is clear that there is still significant cash left over to at least test Inter Milan’s resolve.