Man Utd 'poised' to complete first January signing as 'payment plan leaked'

Manchester United are poised to complete their first big-money January signing after the payment plan for the transfer was 'leaked', according to reports.

It is believed that United will have little room to manoeuvre in January when it comes to spending, unless they are able to sell players.

That is because there are concerns surrounding Financial Fair Play (FFP). That means that any incoming deals, which are generally added to FFP totals in instalments, must be offset by sales, which are added to FFP totals in lump sums.

United spent big money in the summer to bring in Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Mason Mount, with their total outlay reaching around £200 million.

By the end of the transfer window, manager Erik ten Hag was restricted to loans or low-fee deals, given the lack of movement on the outgoings front. Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat arrived from Tottenham and Fiorentina respectively on temporary deals.

According to a new report, United have already agreed a deal to sign a new player this summer - and there is predictably an outgoing involved.

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha has claimed that the club's payment plan to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio has been 'leaked'.

It is reported that United are proposing to pay €45 million (£39.3 million) up front for the centre-back, with €15 million (£13.1 million) in bonuses and future add-ons.

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The report claims that Sporting want to complete an incentivised deal for the 22-year-old, who has been a key member of their side since making his senior debut in 2020.

It is reported that United may be interested in selling Raphael Varane to fund the deal.

Inacio signed a new contract with Sporting in August, which is believed to contain a release clause of €60 million.

The figures that are being reported from the 'leaked' payment plan, therefore, certainly add up - although it remains to be seen whether he will be holding up a United shirt come January.