Man Utd 'decide first January transfer' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe uses his connections

Manchester United look set for another busy transfer window in January.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to use his connections in the January window

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to use his connections in the January window

Manchester United have already decided their first transfer of the January window and it will involve one of their summer signings, according to reports. It has been a mixed campaign for the Red Devils, who have experienced plenty of highs and lows over the last few months. They have flirted with the Premier League's top four but are currently in mid-table following Monday's defeat to Everton.

United spent over £220million in the summer window, bringing in a number of big-name players with the aim of improving their squad. They also made one signing with an eye on the future, with teenage full-back Diego Leon among those to arrive at Old Trafford. He has found minutes hard to come by, though, and is still waiting for his Premier League bow despite making the bench on three occasions.

As a result, United are preparing to loan him out in January and have identified Nice as his most likely suitors, according to Paraguayan outlet Pasion Estudio.

Majority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe also owns the French outfit through INEOS and will reportedly use his connections to engineer a deal when the window opens.

United are seemingly happy to sanction a move despite the Red Devils being set to lose Noussair Mazraoui when he leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations, where he will represent Morocco.

A separate report from Mercado de Pases suggests that Leon would welcome the opportunity to join Nice on loan until the end of the current season.

The move would help him gain more experience in a top European league, which could benefit United upon his return ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.