Watching Mauricio Pochettino officially put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal at Manchester United on Thursday, the former Tottenham boss has an almighty job on his hands at Old Trafford.

Heading into November’s international break remarkably sat in the Premier League’s drop zone, it is no surprise that the United are expected to be heavily active during the January transfer window.

Already shipping 19 top-flight strikes this season and with only the duo of Crystal Palace and Premier League newcomers Ipswich conceding more, Pochettino will be more than aware that defensive reinforcements are a priority.

With French youngster Leny Yoro essentially shoehorned into a makeshift right-back role for large spells of the season, TEAMtalk reported over the weekend that Manchester United are keen on a January swoop for Chelsea’s Malo Gusto.

The BBC reported this week that Gusto is keen on a January move away from Stamford Bridge and the hierarchy in SW6 are open to striking a potential permanent deal.

Reportedly valued in the region of £75million by Xabi Alonso’s side, Gusto has struggled to hold down a regular spot under the ex-Real Madrid boss and has not made a single Premier League start over the past couple of months.

Eventually staying put at Stamford Bridge despite opening the doors to a summer move away from the English capital, Gusto’s current deal in west London runs until June 2030.

TEAMtalk are reporting that United have discussed a potential move for Chelsea’s wantaway star and are weighing up a potential move when the transfer window reopens in January.

🚨 Manchester United are interested in signing Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto in January, with the Blues open to selling.

The 23-year-old wants to leave after losing his starting place under Xabi Alonso, while Chelsea value him at £75M.

Manchester City are also interested, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur potentially returning for the defender.

Chelsea are continuing to keep close tabs on Jules Kounde’s situation ahead of the January transfer window as they consider a move for the Barcelona defender, with @TEAMtalk able to confirm that he is a leading option as the Blues prepare for the possibility of Malo Gusto’s departure.

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— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) November 13, 2026