Man Utd transfer news: Rivals steal march in race for midfielder as surprise decision made

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The January transfer window has the potential to turn Manchester United's season around following a glum New Year period. On top of Ruben Amorim's exit from the club , United were also ousted from another cup competition on Sunday and are winless in four.

Former United striker Danny Welbeck sealed the club's departure from the FA Cup fourth round over the weekend. Youngster Shea Lacey was sent off in a disappointing 2-1 home defeat , which saw Welbeck come back to haunt his old employers.

And it seems that downbeat mood is at risk of continuing for the remainder of the month, with United still lacking a concrete solution in the hot seat. Mirror Football breaks down the latest rumours surrounding Old Trafford as the club looks to upgrade the squad during a period of dire need.

Central midfield of the major areas that could do with reinforcements at Old Trafford before the end of this month. In that pursuit, Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher looked like something of a no-brainer to target this month.

Not only is the England international in a battle to earn game time after slipping down the pecking order in Madrid, but he's also supposedly available at a cut-price fee. However, The Times has reported Aston Villa have stolen a march in the hunt.

Unai Emery's side are believed to be exploring a loan deal for the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace star. However, there's no agreement as of yet, with Atletico supposedly keen for any deal to include a guaranteed £35million purchase option.

That could open the door for United to stake their claim on the player. They may have to agree to those terms or kick up an increased figure up front in order to do so, but the main positive is the door isn't completely shut just yet.

Gallagher, 25, could still represent a significant bargain at £35m in today's market and would address a big need in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo is still hoping to make his way back into the team after being an outcast under Amorim, while Manuel Ugarte is being linked with an Old Trafford exit .

There's also the looming threat that captain Bruno Fernandes could leave in the near future following back-to-back windows being targeted by clubs in Saudi Arabia. However, Villa have the allure of Champions League football and are in the conversation for a Premier League title challenge, something United can only dream of at present.

One name who's certainly on his way to Carrington is Ethan Wheatley. At least for the time being, that is, after United cut short the forward's loan spell at Northampton Town.

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It isn't believed the decision is anything but tactical on United's part as they look to give the 19-year-old the best possible opportunity to thrive. And it's clear Wheatley was admired at Sixfields after Cobblers boss Kevin Nolan described his disappointment with United's manoeuvre.

"We are disappointed Ethan has been recalled but we are proud of the work we have done with him and believe he leaves us a far better player than he arrived," said the Bolton legend. "We thank Manchester United for loaning Ethan to us and wish him well for his future career."

United routinely include break clauses in the contracts of their young players for precisely this reason. And rather than see the player continue in League One, they may now target an opportunity for the striker at a higher standard.