Thursday's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup: David Alaba, Gabriel Veron, Facundo Pellistri

The January transfer window is now open, with Manchester United continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Amad Traore, and could look to bolster their ranks further to build on an encouraging first half of the season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Old Trafford.

Thursday morning's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester City 'to offer David Alaba £240,000-a-week contract'

© Reuters

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to offer David Alaba a £240,000-a-week contract in the hope of convincing the Austrian to move to the Etihad Stadium.

Alaba's existing deal with Bayern Munich is due to expire at the end of June, and it appears increasingly likely that he will be leaving the German giants on a free transfer.

A number of clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, have been credited with an interest in the defender over the last few months.

However, according to AS, City are hoping that a contract offer of £240,000 a week will be enough to lure the 28-year-old to Manchester for the 2021-22 campaign.

Alaba remains a key player for Bayern despite the speculation surrounding his future, making 24 appearances in all competitions during the current season.

The defender has featured over 400 times for Der FCB in total, meanwhile, winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns at the Allianz Arena.

Thomas Tuchel 'wants to bring Erling Braut Haaland to Chelsea this summer'

© Reuters

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland as his number one transfer target in this summer's window.

Tuchel was confirmed as the London club's new head coach on Tuesday, with the former Paris Saint-Germain boss replacing Frank Lampard at the helm.

According to the Daily Mail, the 47-year-old is determined to bring a new forward to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, and Haaland is viewed as the priority target in the final third of the field.

The 20-year-old has been in excellent form for Dortmund during the current season, finding the back of the net on 21 occasions in 19 appearances for his Bundesliga club.

Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been strongly linked with the Norway international, who has struck 29 times in 27 outings for BVB in all competitions.

Haaland is unlikely to be allowed to leave Signal Iduna Park this summer, but a release clause in his contract is expected to come into play in 2022, with a host of clubs said to be keeping a close eye on developments.

More transfer news from Manchester United:

Manchester City, Manchester United 'both negotiating for Gabriel Veron'
Manchester City and Manchester United go head to head for Palmeiras youngster Gabriel Veron, according to a report. Read more.

Ian Wright talks up Jesse Lingard move to West Ham United
Former West Ham United and Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes that Manchester United's Jesse Lingard will benefit from a temporary move to the London Stadium. Read more.

Club Brugge 'leading the race to sign Facundo Pellistri on loan'
Club Brugge are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign Manchester United attacker Facundo Pellistri on loan. Read more.

Real Madrid 'could lose Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez this summer'
Real Madrid could lose both Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez on free transfers this summer, according to a report. Read more.

Paul Pogba: 'I am enjoying myself at Manchester United'
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba insists that he is happy at Old Trafford and is determined to help the club win silverware. Read more.

Jesse Lingard 'keen on loan move to West Ham United'
Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard is open to joining West Ham United on loan, according to a report. Read more.

Antonio Conte: 'Christian Eriksen not leaving Inter Milan this month'
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte insists that Christian Eriksen will not be leaving San Siro before the end of the month. Read more.