Manchester United open to selling five players in January transfer window

Manchester United will listen to offers for several players in the January transfer window.

Well-placed sources have told the Manchester Evening News United are open to selling Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.

Financial fair play rules have prompted United to become more proactive sellers, though club sources insist no player will be forced out and manager Erik ten Hag does not want to sanction sales that would weaken the squad.

Following Everton's 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, figures at United are believed to be baffled by the prospect of more extravagant spending in January by Chelsea, who have spent more than £1billion on players across the last three transfer windows.

United do not expect a mass exodus next month but have decided to alert clubs to certain players' availability well in advance of the summer transfer window.

Varane, 30, wants to stay at United but feels he could be forced to move after making one start in the last 13 games. Ten Hag confirmed earlier this month Van de Beek is free to leave while the exiled Sancho has been training away from the first team squad for three months after accusing Ten Hag of lying over his absence from the matchday squad at Arsenal on September 3.

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Although Ten Hag implied Sancho could still return to the fold if he apologies, club sources insist Sancho is still likely to be moved on next month.

Casemiro, 31, is sidelined until Christmas with a hamstring problem and his drastic drop-off in form, as well as his fitness issues, have convinced