'Mixed messaging' around United's transfer plans for rest of window

There is a little bit of mixed messaging around Manchester United's plans for the remainder of the current window which makes it difficult to assess what will happen over the next eight days.

Privately, United have been keen to clarify they have no need to sell anyone before 30 June to ensure they don't breach the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

There is also a feeling - no more than that - any additions to Ruben Amorim's squad before the window closes on 3 February will be loans.

However, there has also been an admission a bid was lodged with Italian club Lecce for their promising Denmark full-back Patrick Dorgu, which was turned down.

What has not been clarified is if United bought Dorgu, or anyone else for that matter, whether they would have to sell, which brings us to Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentina winger has been the subject of widespread speculation linking him with Napoli and Chelsea, with Christopher Nkunku potential moving to Old Trafford.

In PSR terms, that would offer United some much-needed flexibility.

But as they pack £81.3m Antony off on loan to Real Betis for the remainder of the season, the optics around selling Garnacho would be terrible.

To add to the confusion, United sources say they would only loan Nkunku at best, and there have been no talks.

And we have not even mentioned Marcus Rashford yet.

It doesn't appear Ruben Amorim has any use for him even if Rashford is saying he would be happy to stay.