Manchester United wanted three players a month ago. A winger, a centre-back and a back-up striker to play the role of deputy to Romelu Lukaku.
But now, with just five days of the transfer window remaining, only one arrival is expected. Express Sport understands it will be a centre-back – and one of Yerry Mina, Harry Maguire or Toby Alderweireld.
On the flanks, Manchester United are JUST about well-stocked. Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata can all operate there. Anthony Martial can too – if he stays.
It is up front where United have issues. Martial and Rashford may claim to be centre-forwards at heart but, after toiling towards the end of last season, the Red Devils remain staggeringly reliant on Lukaku.
Which is why Ibrahimovic would be an ideal January transfer.
The 36-year-old is back to his best at LA Galaxy. The MLS is no Premier League but, even so, his performances in America have been nothing short of staggering.
A year ago, Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked finished. A brutal knee injury cut short his United career and he was sold to Galaxy in March with many believing he was done.
He isn’t, though. 15 goals from 17 outings so far prove that.
United explored deals for Mario Mandzukic and Marko Arnautovic but both Juventus and West Ham refused to dance to their tune. As a result, no centre-forward will be arriving.
In January, however, Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be available.
The MLS season stops for the winter until March. And, in the past, players have moved to Europe on loan to maintain their fitness.
Landon Donovan impressed at Everton and David Beckham enjoyed his time at AC Milan so much, he did not want to go back to Galaxy. Can you really see a serial winner like Ibrahimovic sunning himself on some beach?
Which is why Ibrahimovic could be an ideal short-term solution. He loves Mourinho. Mourinho loves him. That alone means any transfer is never to be ruled out.
An SOS call could be enough to convince the veteran to return. And, speaking recently, he admitted to regrets over his United career.
He said: “I feel sorry for the fans – if they’d seen me younger, they’d have seen a different lion.
“For the Premier League, it would have been dangerous, as I would have eaten them for breakfast; instead, I took them for lunch. But I came: they wanted me, I gave them me and I took over. Been there and done that.
“I would need more time to explain my feelings but let’s start with a big thanks to everybody – what they did was amazing and I hope they are as happy as I am,” he continued.
“I gave as much as I could for as long as I could; when I got injured, I got support in a different way. They always stood behind me and my team-mates.
“They are special: everywhere I see red, I think about United. It will remain in history and my career; when I look back at my time with United, I will do it with a smile. I wish them all the best in the future.”