Amad ‘wanted’ by Championship club and more Manchester United transfer rumours

Southampton are interested in taking Manchester United forward Amad on loan for the second half of the season, according to reports.

The attacker is yet to play this season after suffering a serious knee injury during the summer tour of the US. He is now back in training.

Amad scored 14 times while on loan at Sunderland last term and has been frequently linked with a return to the Championship. Football Insider says league leaders Leicester City hold an interest but Southampton are pushing hardest for the player’s signature. Amad himself will be keen to get some game time ahead of January as he eyes participation in a home Africa Cup of Nations.

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The 21-year-old has played four times for the Ivory Coast but injury has prevented recent appearances. It will be touch-and-go whether he makes the final cut for next month's tournament, while Erik ten Hag may want to keep him in-house beyond January. Amid the possibility that Antony Martial exits ahead of his contract expiring in June, Amad could be used to reinforce attacking options.

Meanwhile, a report from Mundo Deportivo Gipuzkoa (via Sport Witness) says United are taking a look at Japan wideman Takefusa Kubo, who has six goals and four assists in 24 Real Sociedad games this season.

The report claims United have expressed an interest in the 22-year-old, who would be targeted in the summer rather than January. The club are not expecting to make any big purchases next month due to fears about breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

Kubo’s contract does not expire until 2027 but reportedly has a £52m release clause. The