Manchester United will not pursue a move for Aston Villa star Leon Bailey as Marcus Rashford heads in the opposite direction - and are instead focusing on moves for Mathys Tel or Christopher Nkunku. The Red Devils are in the market for a forward before the January transfer deadline on Monday night as they look to replace the outgoing Rashford - who will join Villa on a loan deal for the remainder of the season.

United have already secured a deal for two defenders this month, with centre-back Ayden Heaven arriving from Arsenal on Saturday and Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu coming in the following day to bolster the backline. But with forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both out of form, boss Ruben Amorim will be keen to add some firepower to his squad to continue United's rise up the table. Recent reports claimed Bailey - who has one goal and two assists for Villa this season - was under consideration at United as a potential option after also sending Antony on loan to Real Betis. But according to the MEN, United are focusing on players who can play through the middle rather than widemen.

Amorim's 3-4-3 system means the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can play as wingbacks, allowing players like Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Zirzkee and Hojlund to play further forward while still retaining width. It says Tel and Nkunku are two players who have been identified ahead of deadline day, after their clubs Bayern Munich and Chelsea made them available for an exit. Tel has been cast aside by Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany this season after making just two starts in the Bundesliga, but his future is still up in the air after rejecting a move to Tottenham.

Nkunku, meanwhile, has managed to score 13 goals in all competitions for Chelsea despite finding himself down the pecking order under boss Enzo Maresca. The latest deal through the door at United was Dorgu, who revealed his pride at joining the Red Devils on Sunday. He said: "I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player; this is a very special day for my whole family. "I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim; his vision for this team and the future of the club is incredibly exciting. There is a clear plan set out for my development, and I feel that Manchester United is the perfect place to fulfil my potential and complete my huge ambitions.".

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