Memphis Depay 'eager to return to Manchester United in January'

Barcelona attacker Memphis Depay is reportedly keen to return to Manchester United this month.

The 28-year-old's contract at Camp Nou is due to expire at the end of June, and he has been strongly linked with a move away from his current side over the last few months.

As it stands, Memphis is free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a move at the end of the campaign, but Man United are working to sign a new forward in the winter market, as Cristiano Ronaldo's departure at the end of November has left the team short of options in the final third of the field.

The Red Devils are said to view Memphis as a genuine target this month, and according to Sport, the Netherlands international would like to return to Old Trafford.

The attacker initially represented Man United between 2015 and 2017, making the move to the club off the back of scoring 50 goals and registering 29 assists in 124 appearances for PSV Eindhoven.

© Reuters

Memphis found it difficult to make his mark with the Red Devils, though, only scoring seven goals and registering six assists in 53 appearances in all competitions.

The Dutchman rebuilt his career at Lyon, with a successful spell seeing him score 76 goals and provide 55 assists in 178 appearances for the French giants in all competitions.

Memphis arrived at Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, and he has a respectable record of 14 goals and two assists in 42 matches for the Catalan giants.

The attacker has only made four appearances at club level this term, largely due to injury, and he was an unused substitute against Espanyol in the league last weekend.

The Netherlands international was a starter against Intercity in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, but he was withdrawn in the 75th minute of the contest, having found it difficult to make his mark.

© Reuters

Barcelona boss Xavi said last week that he wants to keep Memphis at the club this month.

"I don't want anyone to leave. With these players, we will compete. I'm happy with what I have. Memphis can help us in attack. He will be important and he will get minutes," said the head coach.

However, Man United are believed to be pushing to re-sign the former PSV youngster, who could attempt to force a switch to Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.

Bayern Munich's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is also thought to be a target for the 20-time English champions, although the Cameroon international is currently in talks with the Bundesliga giants over a new contract.

Man United made it seven straight wins in all competitions with a 3-1 success over Everton in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday night.