Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a January transfer blow with Leicester duo Ben Chilwell and James Maddison reportedly almost impossible to sign in January.
The Foxes duo have been linked with a move to Old Trafford amid their impressive form at Leicester, where they’ve helped Brendan Rodgers’ side climb to third in the Premier League table.
Manchester United feel they need someone to challenge Luke Shaw at left-back, which is why Chilwell is on their radar.
Maddison, meanwhile, is seen as the creative talent needed to help attackers Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in their quest for goals.
Yet the Manchester Evening News say that both players will be almost impossible to sign in January.
That’s because Leicester are pushing for Champions League football next season and want to keep their squad together.
United raided the Foxes for Harry Maguire in the summer, paying an overall £85million to secure the signature of the England international.
But with Leicester flying high, they’re now in a position where they can rebuff United and other interested parties.
It’s also claimed it’s uncertain as to whether United will sign Mario Mandzukic.
The Croatia international has been backed to join, with the forward currently out in the cold in Turin.
But whether United do choose to push for the signing of the Juventus star is something only time will tell.
Meanwhile, speaking earlier this month, Solskjaer opened up on his transfer plans for the New Year.
“January is a difficult window, anyway,” the 46-year-old told Sky Sports when asked about United’s stance.
“But if there are players available and at the right price, I’m sure we will spend.
“There might be some experienced players who can come in and help the younger players – that might be worth the money.
“So it depends on who is available.
“I’m not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they’re not the right ones for the whole group and for the future.”
United have a mixed record when it comes to signing players in the middle of the season.
Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic both enjoyed fine careers at Old Trafford when they touched down in January 2006.
Alexis Sanchez arrived from Arsenal in January 2018 to much acclaim but ultimately disappointed, managing just four goals.
And Zoran Tosic was another mid-season signing made by the club that ultimately failed to work out.