Manchester United 'lining up' replacements as two midfielders set to soon leave Old Trafford

The Red Devils have been put on red alert amid rumours that two of their starting XI players could be heading out the door in January.

According to reports, both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are likely to leave Old Trafford for good, with the former making no progress on agreeing a new contract and the latter seeing a decline in form. While on international duty Eriksen, 32, said no talks are taking place between him and the club, despite making eight appearances so far this season.

It comes despite the eventual arrival of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte in the summer, who has played just three times in the Premier League so far this season.

Speaking to Football Insider, former chief scout Mick Brown said: “I think they needed another midfielder even before this news - and I’ve been told they have already started looking in that department.

“To be fair to him, Eriksen is a very good passer of the ball and a great technician, but he’s not the box-to-box type United need in there. They want to bring in somebody with legs who can support Kobbie Mainoo in the middle.

“Ugarte came in during the summer but he’s a similar type to Casemiro who wants to sit in front of the defence.”

Newcastle given boost in Guehi pursuit

One of the big stories from the summer transfer window was Newcastle United’s chase of England international Marc Guehi. The defender, who plays for Crystal Palace, was Eddie Howe’s top target, but was left “frustrated” after negotiations for the centre-back failed.

Previous reports indicated that Guehi will remain at Palace for one more season before making his move up north, but all of that was thrown into jeopardy when Howe started being linked with the England job. It came while Lee Carsley started his tenure as interim manager of the Three Lions, with many outlets suggesting that as arguably the best English manager available, Howe should be first in line for the role.

But now that Thomas Tuchel has officially been appointed, Howe’s Newcastle future seems to be set in stone, which GiveMeSport claims also paves the way for Guehi to eventually link up with his compatriot for the Magpies.