Man Utd's Clever Carlos Baleba Alternative: A Swap Deal Strategy

Manchester United are working through the January transfer window as they look for a new permanent head coach Manchester United will still be riding the crest of a wave after a convincing 2-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City in Saturday's derby at Old Trafford. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu gave interim head coach Michael Carrick the perfect start. The Reds now face a tough test against Arsenal on Sunday as they seek a top-four finish and a spot in next season's Champions League. It is anticipated that United will have a quiet January transfer window as they evaluate their options for the next permanent head coach. Securing a place in Europe's premier competition would undoubtedly make Old Trafford a more appealing prospect ahead of the summer transfer window. Below is a summary of the latest United transfer news and rumours, as well as a view on each one... FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE!Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page Baleba alternative United are reportedly interested in highly-rated Sunderland star Noah Sadiki. GiveMeSport claim that the Reds could look to sell Manuel Ugarte and replace him with Sadiki. United are in need of midfield reinforcements, and Sadiki would cost a lot less than Brighton’s £100million-rated Carlos Baleba. The 21-year-old, who can cover several positions, arrived from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for £15m in the summer and has made 16 appearances so far this season for the Black Cats. Isaac Seelochan of the Manchester Evening News says: "Sadiki may be a cheaper alternative, but he has only proven himself after one season in the Premier League, while Balbea has demonstrated his talent for a longer period. If United are serious about strengthening their midfield, they should be looking for the best in class." £78m stance clear Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has revealed that Leipzig would be willing to turn down offers in the region of £78m for United-linked winger Yan Diomande. “As chairman of the supervisory board, I would say he will definitely be with us next season – even if there were an offer of €80 or €90 million," he told Sky. “not a single interested club has come forward yet.” “You simply can’t let go of such a young player, whom we just signed, after only one year. He’s extremely young and playing his first Bundesliga season. We’ve worked to ensure that players can stay a bit longer.” Mintzlaff did acknowledge, however, that keeping Diomande in the long term may be difficult. He added: “The truth is that, while we are a very ambitious Bundesliga club, there are also other top clubs. In the past, we have repeatedly had to let good players go – partly to generate transfer revenue, and partly because they were ready to take the next step in their careers.” Isaac Seelochan of the Manchester Evening News says: "Diomande would be an excellent signing for United but with funds tight at Old Trafford, the Reds do not need a new winger. Midfield should be their focus this summer and potentially a new striker as well, considering Benjamin Sesko's struggles and Joshua Zirkzee likely to leave." Mateta update Juventus have reportedly moved on from Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as they pursue a new striker. It is claimed that the Italian giants are not prepared to pay the €40milllion (£34.7m) Palace are thought to want for the France international and are instead considering making an offer for Turkish side Fenerbahce’s 28-year-old Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri. Mateta was reportedly open to the potential opportunity and personal terms would not have been an issue Isaac Seelochan of the Manchester Evening News says: "Mateta could be a good signing for United, but it's hard to tell if he will be able to make the step up from Palace. His form has been slightly patchy this season and may be swallowed up by the high expectations at Old Trafford."