Update: Manchester United now looking to sign in-demand wonderkid ahead of Liverpool in January.

Manchester United is reportedly vying with Liverpool for the signature of an in-demand wonderkid in January. Manchester United are reportedly intent on bringing a defensive jewel to Old Trafford and are attempting to outbid Liverpool, among others, for his services.

United’s transfer efforts…

Regarding their personal lives both on and off the field, the Red Devils may soon undergo significant off-field and on-field adjustments, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of acquiring a minority 25 percent stake in the Premier League powerhouses.

The Sun reports that Ratcliffe’s new management is evaluating Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting Club’s Goncalo Inacio. Additionally, the club’s leadership has authorized the sale of France international Raphael Varane, who has recently struggled for form. Erik ten Hag may be inclined to transfer the former Real Madrid player to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich; nevertheless, the player’s weekly salary of £340,000 could present a hindrance to his departure from Old Trafford for Germany.Man United, according to Sport Witness and A Bola, have also initiated exploratory contact with Benfica in an effort to determine the possible terms of a transfer for midfielder Joao Neves. However, Benfica will not allow the 19-year-old to depart in January; therefore, he will only be able to communicate with other clubs if a €120 million release clause is activated by an interested party. The Portuguese behemoths are eager to retain Neves because they believe he can significantly impact their pursuit of the Primeira Liga championship.

A report suggests that Ten Hag is currently intent on acquiring a long-term defender for Old Trafford in order to strengthen his squad.According to a 90min report, Manchester United have begun competing with Liverpool for the services of St Patrick’s Athletic full-back Sam Curtis in January. Curtis, who is only 17 years old, is also the subject of interest from Liverpool.

Celtic, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United are also monitoring his situation and may attempt to complete a transfer for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 sensation, as he was described in the report. In 39 appearances this season, he recorded three goals and three assists (Curtis statistics, Transfermarkt).Curtis, who was named to the PFAI Team of the Year, could also provide long-term relief for the Red Devils, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being pursued by West Ham United and his contract with his current employers, Manchester United, is set to expire in the summer of 2024.

United may choose to exercise the option to extend his contract by an additional year; nevertheless, the resolution of his situation in the North West is still uncertain. While Curtis may not be immediately selected for the first team, he is reportedly on track to receive a call-up to the senior team of the Republic of Ireland in the near future due to his accelerated development.Manchester United are in need of bolstering their right-wing defense and may not wish to pass up the opportunity to acquire a prodigious talent, particularly since Liverpool is a possible alternative destination for Curtis to further his development.