Eight Manchester United players facing an uncertain January transfer window

John Murtough was quoted as saying January would not be "busy" last Wednesday and then two days later Manchester United had negotiated the departure of Donny van de Beek to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Murtough was absent from last week's fans' forum and he was reputedly in Saudi Arabia this week. He is also expected to be replaced as the United football director, with Dan Ashworth lined up by the Ineos Group as they seek to ratify their 25% investment in the club.

With no European football, one cup competition to compete in over the next five months, and the "real teeth" of financial fair play rules snapping at them, United are more receptive to shifting certain players than they are letting on.

Here are eight players who are approaching January with their futures uncertain.

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Raphael Varane

Before last week's defeat to Bayern Munich, Varane had started one game in 13 and it then transpired United had erroneously communicated the expiry date of his contract.

Varane defended calmly against Bayern and was the man of the match at Liverpool five days later. The 30-year-old has been concerned that United are attempting to force him out. That would be illogical when United have a minus goal difference in the Premier League and three centre halves currently sidelined.

If United do not trigger the one-year extension in Varane's contract then he is free to agree a pre-contract with an overseas club next month. Varane wants to stay at United, though.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Unless United also miscommunicated the end date in Wan-Bissaka's contract, he is approaching the final six