Manchester United are believed to be contemplating whether to make a move for Barcelona forward, Memphis Depay, as the Red Devils seek a low-cost centre-forward option this month.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, the Dutchman could well ‘come under consideration’ for the Red Devils in the current window, with the 28-year-old seemingly an attractive prospect with just six months remaining on his existing deal at Camp Nou.

That expiring deal should ensure that the 86-cap gem is ‘available for a modest financial commitment’, as per the report, while Manchester Evening News previously suggested that the playmaker could even be available on a ‘loan basis’, as United target a temporary, short-term option this month.

As per Whitwell, Erik ten Hag’s side did hold talks with Depay’s camp regarding a possible return to Old Trafford, albeit with that move said to have been driven by the player’s representatives, rather than the Premier Leagueoutfit.

Martial upgrade

While the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has heightened the need for a new striking addition, the recent woes of Anthony Martial have also illustrated that further firepower could well be a necessity if the club are to maintain their top-four push.

The long-serving Frenchman was something of a “no-show” in the recent win over Bournemouth – in the words of respected journalist Samuel Luckhurst – having also missed a clear-cut chance in the victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

With Ten Hag and co having waited months to have the 27-year-old back to full fitness after an injury-plagued start to the campaign, the former Monaco man was expected to hit the ground running, although is once again proving somewhat unreliable.