Barcelona star tells Man Utd he is eager to seal January move to Old Trafford

Memphis Depay wants to rejoin Manchester United this month.

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United are eager to sign a new centre forward this month with Erik ten Hag hopeful the club can bring in another option with his side still fighting on four fronts this season.

Depay joined United under Louis van Gaal in 2015, then a promising winger who has since evolved into a more traditional central striker. His first spell in Manchester lasted just two years, however, with the Dutchman since playing for Lyon and current side Barcelona.

A recent report from The Athletic claimed talks over a return to United, instigated by Depay’s camp, were held last summer with Sport now claiming the 28-year-old is eager to head back to Old Trafford.

Depay has just six months left on his contract at the Camp Nou but United, who spent over £200million in the summer, will be limited to loan moves this month.

The club are currently exploring a deal to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix until the end of the season but have so far been reluctant to meet the Spanish side’s demands for a loan fee.

It is understood that the Spanish club have initially asked for £13m, plus the forward’s salary covered in full, taking the total cost of the deal to around £16m for half a season.

The deal would also not include the option or obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Should Barcelona demand a transfer fee for Memphis, United could face the same hurdles but the forward’s expiring contract could work in their favour should they pursue a deal.

The former PSV Eindhoven starlet struggled with a thigh injury heading into the World Cup and has been limited to just three starting appearances in all competitions under Xavi this season.

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, ten Hag has been left with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as his only options to lead the line.

While the England international has been in superb form this season, his preferred role is on the left.

Martial meanwhile has started all four of United’s games since the return of the domestic campaign but was but was limited to just three in all competitions prior to the World Cup due to various injury issues.

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