Manchester United transfer news: What to expect at Old Trafford on deadline day

It is more likely to be a case of outgoings than incoming at Old Trafford on Thursday

Manchester United may be in the market for a central defender but outgoings are more likely than incomings at Old Trafford on the final day of the January transfer window.

United’s desire to strengthen at the back is no secret but the club’s position on the possibility of signings this month has remained consistent.

Though willing to spend money if the right player is available at the right price, it was always more likely that United would keep their powder dry until the summer.

By then, a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho should be in place and so too may be a director of football, who will oversee and take responsibility for transfer dealings.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already spoken of his role to prepare United for the future beyond this season - even if that is one which does not share the same path as him.

Marouane Fellaini

Marouane Fellaini is one player that could leave Old Trafford on Thursday, who is understood to have agreed a deal with Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng.

Fellaini signed a new two-year contract at United last summer but is not viewed as a first-choice player by caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It is not yet clear how much United expect to receive for the 31-year-old and, as the Chinese Super League window is open until 28 February, the deal may be completed at a later date.

Matteo Darmian

United are willing to listen to offers for Matteo Darmian, who has attracted suitors in his native Italy.

Juventus are among the front-runners for the out-of-favour full-back’s signature but United are yet to receive an acceptable offer from the Serie A champions.

Darmian, signed from Torino for £12.7m in 2015, has played just one Premier League minute since Solskjaer’s appointment.

Darmian is one player linked with the Old Trafford exit (Getty)

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial is not expected to be going anywhere but his new five-year contract may be confirmed on Thursday.

Mourinho was open to letting the 23-year-old leave last summer but the United hierarchy were adamant that Martial would stay.

Negotiations over extended terms have progressed since Mourinho’s departure and United are expected to announce Martial’s contract in the coming days.