January might be a busier month than many Manchester United fans may have first envisaged given recent events.

Ruben Amorim is not set to have much financial wiggle room in the mid-season transfer market, but that could change if Marcus Rashford leaves. The player has spoken about relishing a “new challenge”, and has been left out of the last three matchday squads.

In the event the England international does leave, United might already be scouting for potential replacements. One supposed target - who won Euro 2024 with Spain over the summer - has apparently been identified, given he has an affordable release clause.

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United 'monitoring’ Williams

United are said to be tracking the situation of Nico Williams at Athletic Club. The winger ended up staying at his current employer this summer despite strong links with Barcelona.

El Desmarque claims the Spain international - who predominantly plays on the left flank - apparently has a £48m release clause in his contract. Williams attracted attention last season after registering 19 assists and eight goals in 37 matches.

This term, he has notched two goals and five assists in 23 outings. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are said to be rivalling United for his signature.

MEN Sport says: Capturing Williams would be a real coup. Admittedly, a switch to Untied seems unlikely, given a move across the Basque region to Barcelona would be less taxing than uprooting his personal life to another country.

However, Barcelona are in dire straits with finances and would have to sell one of their players in order to land Williams. But there are also questions about whether United could afford his supposed £48m fee mid-season - unless Rashford leaves for a good amount.

United 'consider' rival academy star

A report from TBR Football claims United are looking at stealing another academy prospect from Arsenal. United pinched Chido Obi-Martin from the Gunners this summer, the youngster tipped for a bright future in the game.

Now attention might be being turned to his former youth colleague, Ayden Heaven. The 18-year-old defender is said to also have Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool as admirers too.

The report claims Heaven is hesitant to sign a professional deal at Arsenal and could seek options elsewhere. If true, that leaves the door open for United.

MEN Sport says: Amorim made a point about maintaining and enhancing the academy product line at United. United are one of Europe’s leaders in producing homegrown talent, having seen more than 250 graduates make their first-team debut.

They have also had at least one academy product in their matchday squad for the past 87 years - a truly astonishing feat. United and Amorim will want like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho coming through the ranks and Heaven, it seems, might be of that ilk.