Manchester United make 'approach' for January transfer as Real Madrid decision emerges

Manchester United are being linked with several potential new signings ahead of the January transfer window.

United are set to embark on a new era at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim officially taking charge as the club's head coach. Amorim leaves Sporting Lisbon after four years as the club's manager and will now be tasked with seeing United challenge for major honours once again.

Sunday saw United claim a 3-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League in what was Ruud van Nistelrooy's final match as interim manager. The Dutchman oversaw four matches while in interim charge, winning three and drawing one to end his spell unbeaten before Amorim officially takes charge this week.

With the November international break now underway, attention will soon begin to turn to what business United may conduct during the January transfer window. MEN Sport takes a look at some of the latest United transfer news and gossip that have generated headlines over the last 24 hours.

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United hold an interest in Sporting Lisbon forward Geovany Quenda, as previously reported by the Manchester Evening News. Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Reds have taken the initial steps in their efforts to sign the 17-year-old talent.

The report claims that United officials have approached the representatives at Sporting over a potential deal to sign Quenda. However, it has been stated that United will face competition from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for Quenda's signature next year.

Quenda has impressed with Sporting this season in his breakthrough campaign with the Portuguese club. The teenager has two goals and two assists to his name this term and got one assist in the 4-1 victory over City in the Champions League last week.

Elsewhere, United have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Reds made two attempts to sign the centre-back last summer after having two bids rejected by the Toffees for his signature.

According to Caught Offside, Real Madrid are weighing up a move to sign Branthwaite in the January transfer window. The report claims that the La Liga giants may decide to enter the transfer market in the New Year to strengthen their defence amid several injury concerns.

It has been claimed that Branthwaite has emerged as a potential target for Madrid, with former Everton boss Ancelotti thought to be putting the defender on the club's radar. The report claims, though, that United are still in the running to sign Branthwaite despite Madrid entering the race for his signature.