Man Utd ‘will only LOAN players in January’ despite being desperate for striker after losing Cody Gakpo transfer race

MANCHESTER UNITED will only sign players on loan in January, according to reports.

That’s despite Erik ten Hag desperately searching for a new striker after losing out to Liverpool for Cody Gakpo.

ReutersErik ten Hag will only be allowed to sign players on loan next month[/caption]

Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock exit has left United light on options in the forward department.

And Ten Hag was hoping to finally conclude a deal for PSV Eindhoven star Gakpo after missing out on him last summer.

However, the forward’s fine performances for Holland at the World Cup convinced Liverpool to make a lightning-quick swoop.

And United have to go back to the drawing board in their bid for a new No9.

But the Mail claims Ten Hag will have NO cash available for a permanent transfer.

The Glazers are finally looking to sell up after years of misery at Old Trafford.

And as a result, there are no funds for new long-term signings.

It means Ten Hag will be reduced to scouring the loan market for players.

That will greatly limit the amount of stars available, with five other big names on United’s shortlist.

Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic would certainly command large transfer fees.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Memphis Depay and Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko are out of contract in the summer.

And although available to sign pre-contract agreements, an immediate move for either would also need United to fork out a sizeable sum.

One star thought to be on the loan list is Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, who is sure to interest Ten Hag.

However, it’s reckoned the fee to cover his wages alone resembles that of a transfer fee for most players.

And Chelsea are also in pole position for the Portugal international as they too eye a new hitman.