Manchester United 'not expected to buy any players this January' in major blow for Ten Hag

Manchester United will not sign any players on permanent deals in the January transfer window after missing out on Cody Gakpo, a report has claimed.

PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo had been strongly linked with a move to United next month but is now set to join their bitter rivals Liverpool instead.

PSV confirmed on Monday night that they had agreed to sell Gakpo to Liverpool for a club-record transfer fee.

It is believed that Jurgen Klopp's side have paid an initial £37m fee for the Netherlands international, which could rise to £45m with add-ons.

'Man Utd to only pursue loan deals'

The Daily Mail claim United had instigated talks with PSV over a possible deal for Gakpo but failed to finalise a financial offer, allowing Liverpool to poach the 23-year-old.

The report adds that United are not planning to sign any players on permanent deals next month, with the club "reduced to shopping in the loan market this January as the Glazers look to sell".

Last month, United's owners announced their intention to "explore strategic alternatives" for the club "including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions".

Should a buyer be found, it would mean the end of the Glazers' controversial 17-year ownership of the Premier League club.

The report also claims that United co-owner Avram Glazer held talks with potential investors, including some from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, during a recent trip to Qatar.

Several other parties have expressed an interest in buying United, including Britain's richest man and lifelong fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as well as Zara owner Amancio Ortega.

Meanwhile, American giants Apple and Amazon have also been linked with a potential takeover.

Major blow for Ten Hag

The news of the Glazers' reluctance to spend in January will come as a major blow to United manager Erik ten Hag.

When recently asked if he would like to strengthen his squad, Ten Hag said: "Yes, but only when we find the right player. We do everything in our power.

"We are doing research on every opportunity and we do everything we can if that opportunity is there to contract them."

From 27-28th December, watch all Premier League games live, including Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest, Leeds United vs Manchester City and more. Watch with a free 30-day trial to Prime!