Man Utd transfer: Alaba contract offer made and Renato Sanches 'targeted'

There's no time for mince pies and mulled wine for Manchester United chiefs, as the January window is rapidly approaching and transfer links are coming thick and fast.

A thrilling report from the Bundesliga hints Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland may soon leave for a new challenge, with United and Real Madrid consistently linked with the prolific young striker.

While a swoop for Haaland would likely command an eye-watering fee, the Red Devils are also on the lookout for bargain deals.

David Alaba is one such target and is wanted by giant clubs across Europe as he nears the end of his contract with Bayern Munich.

United have grabbed the initiative in the race for the in-demand Bayern Munich star, while there are also updates on Renato Sanches and Amad Diallo.

Here is today's Manchester United transfer round-up.

United 'to rival' Liverpool for Sanches

Manchester United will reportedly challenge Liverpool to sign Lille midfielder Renato Sanches.

Sanches, 23, has rekindled his best form with the Ligue 1 club after a turbulent three-year spell with Bayern Munich.

Liverpool are understood to see the Portugal international as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, whose contract expires next summer.

But La Gazzetta dello Sport claims United are also targeting Sanches as they look to strengthen their options in central midfield.

Alaba offer submitted

Manchester United have taken the initiative in the fiercely-competitive race to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

United have been in touch with the player's agent, Pini Zahavi, over a free transfer next summer.

Alaba has been unable to agree to an extension with Bayern and is destined to leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season, after a glittering decade with the Bundesliga giants.

But Spanish publication AS warns there is significant interest in the 28-year-old from Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also in the running.

Red Devils 'confident' of Diallo permit

Manchester United are hopeful Amad Diallo will be granted a work permit so he can link-up with his new teammates in January, according to  The Guardian  .

The Red Devils agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign the 18-year-old in October for an initial fee of £19million.

Diallo has made two appearances for the Italian club this season after his breakout 2019/20 campaign.

The report adds Diallo will not arrive on 1 January, but later in the month once the final details of the transfer are wrapped up. He will not have to quarantine on his arrival in the country as he is part of an elite sports bubble at Atalanta.