Cesc Fabregas' Como could kickstart a domino effect in the January transfer window that could help Manchester United offload one of their unwanted stars.

United find themselves in a difficult position in the January window which could harm any attempts to improve their squad. MEN Sport understands there is no budget for transfers this winter having spent in excess of £200m in the summer.

Currently, United lie perilously close to the Financial Fair Play (FFP) threshold. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been undertaking cost-saving measures at Old Trafford to try and address this situation but the reality remains that United would need to sell to spend in this window.

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It looks like United could be given the opportunity to do just that in January thanks to an unlikely source. Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Fabregas is the current manager of Como and he is reportedly on the hunt to sign Real Betis winger Assane Diao this window.

Negotiations are thought to be progressing nicely and as such a deal could be completed soon. If that was to happen, Diao's current La Liga club would be looking to replace him this winter.

According to Spanish media outlet ABC, United's struggling winger Antony is on the list of potential targets that Real Betis would be happy to explore. The Brazilian has struggled since being signed by previous manager Erik ten Hag and has not lived up to his £82m transfer fee.

It goes without saying that United would not be able to request £82m from Real Betis nor any club for Antony with his value having depreciated so much. However, the hope will be that some money can be recouped along with his wages being taken off the bill to allow United to reinvest in either a much-needed striker or a right-sided wing-back.