Manchester United will reportedly not make a decision on Anthony Elanga’s future until the last couple of days of the transfer window, despite having 10 proposals on the table.
Elanga has not yet found his feet during his United senior career. That’s despite having ample opportunities so far – he’s played 48 times and is still only 20 years old.
That he is still young means there will be opportunities for him to make it.
However, he’ll have to bide his time and show that he has the quality to do so. So far this season, Erik ten Hag has given him a few chances to show what he can do.
The Dutch manager has opted to use the forward 20 times in all competitions. Seven of those appearances have been from the start, yet he’s failed to find the net and has only assisted twice.
The development of Alejandro Garnacho and signing of Wout Weghorst have pushed him down the pecking order.
That Elanga is not near the top of the pile at United is something that’s been noted by a few clubs. Indeed, Premier League trio Leicester City, Southampton and Everton are all said to be interested in taking him on loan.
That’s on top of interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and Eredivisie outfit PSV Eindhoven.
Elanga has suitors lining up
However, nothing has come of any of those clubs’ interest as yet. Despite there being at least six players ahead of Elanga in the attacking ranks, Ten Hag is reportedly ‘reluctant’ to let him go.
Whether or not that will change before the January window closes remains to be seen.
Indeed, it seems there are even more offers on the table than have been reported.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano states United ‘have received 10 proposals’ to sign Elanga on loan. He mentions Dortmund and PSV, the latter of whom are apparently ‘pushing’ on the signing.
It makes sense as to why the Dutch side would want to make a signing in attack. They have lost both Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke to the Premier League this window.
As such, they’re now light in attack, and are keen on consolidating by bringing somebody in.
United waiting to make decision
United could pull the trigger and sanction a loan to any of those sides whenever. Indeed, Elanga may well benefit from a spell of consistent football away from Old Trafford.
However, the decision is not one it seems they will be taking lightly.
Instead, Romano reports it is one that will be made ‘in the last 24/48 hours’ of the transfer window. That might mean they are waiting to see if they can bring anybody else in.
There are no obvious reasons why they wouldn’t just let Elanga go, otherwise. Of course, they’ll want cover in case of injury to anybody, but their next game is now after the window closes, so it’s not as if that is very likely to happen between now and then.