Man United plan January transfer 'decision' amid battle for Jarrad Branthwaite alternative

Manchester United are busy preparing for the January transfer window - despite only just putting the final touch on their latest mega-money spend.

United recruited five players this summer with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte all moving to Old Trafford. However, they were not the only players to be linked with United as the rumour mill conjured up some interesting names.

Erik ten Hag's side return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they meet Southampton. United will be looking to claim all three points at St Mary's, as they aim to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before September's first international break.

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But what will happen moving forward? The Manchester Evening News has taken a closer look at the latest United rumours that have been swirling over the last 24 hours;

United are "interested" in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. According to German publication Sport Bild, United will battle with Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Tah, either in January or at the end of the season.

Bayern Munich were heavily linked with signing Tah in the summer, but a deal could not be agreed and now the Germany international, 28, faces an uncertain future. Tah's current contract with Leverkusen is set to expire next summer, while it has been reported that he will not put pen-to-paper on an extension, meaning he could reach a pre-contract agreement in January.

Elsewhere, reported state United have joined the race to sign Monaco defender Vanderson. According to Caught Offside, United are