Deadline Day Manchester United transfer talk news roundup: Facundo Pellistri, Brandon Williams, Alex Telles

The January transfer window is now open, with Manchester United continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Amad Traore, and could look to bolster their ranks further to build on an encouraging first half of the season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Old Trafford.

Monday morning's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup:

Ed Woodward 'tells Solskjaer to offload three players to fund centre-back'

© Reuters

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to offload a trio of players in order to fund a move for a new centre-back.

The Red Devils did not bolster their ranks in the heart of defence during the summer transfer window, but they have supposedly set their sights on Sevilla's Jules Kounde for 2021.

However, the Frenchman is expected to command a £60m fee, with United unlikely to fork out such a figure unless players on the periphery can be moved on first.

As a result, The Mirror claims that Woodward has told Solskjaer to do away with three out-of-favour players at Old Trafford before their pursuit of Kounde can gather pace.

The report claims that Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo are expected to head for the exit door within the next 24 hours, and while Phil Jones is unlikely to leave before Monday's deadline, he will probably call time on his Man United career in the summer.

Kounde has supposedly emerged as the Red Devils' priority defensive target, but Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all believed to be in the hunt for his signature as well.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rules out Brandon Williams exit from Man United

© Reuters

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that out-of-favour defender Brandon Williams will not be leaving the club before Monday's deadline.

The 20-year-old's game time was expected to be restricted by the summer arrival of Alex Telles from Porto, but the solid form of Luke Shaw means that both men have struggled for starts recently.

Williams has been tipped to head out on loan to either Southampton or Newcastle United in order to increase his playing time, but Solskjaer has now ruled out an exit for the young left-back.

Speaking at a press conference after the Red Devils' 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Saturday, Solskjaer said: "Brandon will stay. He played for the 23s against Liverpool for some match fitness.

"He's been working really hard and we don't have any more players that we feel will be going. Brandon has been really good lately, working really hard in the last few months and he's ready when the chance comes."

Williams, who turned out for the Under-23s team in their 6-3 win over Liverpool on Saturday, has only made six first-team appearances across all competitions this season.

More transfer news from Manchester United: