Manchester United 'weighing up January move for Marco Asensio'

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a January move for Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio.

The 26-year-old's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire next June, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future in the Spanish capital.

Asensio has been a regular for Carlo Ancelotti's side this term, making 16 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists in the process.

However, as it stands, the Spain international will be free to hold talks with foreign clubs at the start of January.

According to AS, Man United are keeping a close eye on the situation, with the 20-time English champions considering a move for the attacker during the winter transfer window.

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The Red Devils had been strongly linked with Cody Gakpo but ultimately decided against a move for the Netherlands international, who has joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven.

Asensio's agent Jorge Mendes has allegedly been in talks with Man United to discuss a possible switch to Old Trafford during the winter market.

The English club's head coach Erik ten Hag recently provided an update on his team's search for a new forward.

"I think we have a squad. We have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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"But if you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and cups as well. So, you need players, you need numbers to cover.

"So, we need good players. Not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition. And you need also that you can make tactical choices.

"So, we are looking for the right player for our squad and has to match our sporting criteria but also our financial criteria."

Cristiano Ronaldo's recent exit has left the club short of options at centre-forward, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford the team's only first-team strikers.

Man United moved into fourth position in the Premier League table courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, with Rashford coming off the bench to score the winner.