Three Players Man Utd Could Still Sign After Transfer Deadline

Manchester United can still complete transfer business despite the winter window being closed.

The window closed on Monday at 7pm, with a number of Premier League deals going through at the last minute as teams rushed to submit the required paperwork.

United were not among them, with Michael Carrick's side choosing not to do any incoming deadline day business.

In fact, United didn't sign a single player during the window, despite funds reportedly being made available in case of an opportunity presenting itself.

There were links to Al Hilal captain and former Wolves star Ruben Neves, who was said to be available for around £20 million, but it appears that United will wait until the summer to complete big-money moves.

They can still complete deals after the winter deadline, however, as free agents can still be registered beyond the deadline as long as there are spaces available in the 25-man squad, which will have been submitted shortly after the window closed.

Details of United's squad list have not been announced, but only 21 players were registered after the summer window and there have been no new incomings since then.

That means that United should have four free spaces in case of an unavailability crisis forcing a free agent to be brought in.

Such a scenario would appear extremely unlikely, given how rare it is for any Premier League club - particularly one chasing Champions League football - to be a position where they need to turn to the free agent market.

But here are three players that could potentially interest United.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling's contract at Chelsea, reported to be worth around £300,000-per-week, was torn up days before the transfer deadline.

The former Liverpool and Manchester City star has been linked with a host of different clubs, including Napoli, Tottenham, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.

Given his previous list of clubs, it might be a surprise to see United attempt a move for the 31-year-old, who may want to move to a club playing in Europe this season in any case, but he is certainly the most attractive option of the available free agents.

Sergio Ramos

Towards the end of the 2010s, with his Real Madrid career drawing to a close, there was barely a window that went by where Sergio Ramos wasn't linked with Manchester United.

The Spain legend turns 40 in March, but was playing in La Liga with Sevilla as recently as 2024.

He departed Mexican side Monterrey in December, after playing in last summer's Club World Cup, and although ESPN reported that United initially had no interest in signing him, that stance could change if there is an injury crisis in central defence.

James Rodriguez

Former Real Madrid and Monaco midfielder James Rodriguez is currently a free agent after leaving another Mexican club, Leon, in November.

The Colombia star is now 35 years of age, but possesses vital Premier League experience with Everton and is a player that has always relied on his creativity rather than pure pace.

Rodriguez is currently in talks to sign for MLS side Minnesota United, according to The Athletic, and midfield is starting to become less of an issue for United with the return to favour of Kobbie Mainoo in recent weeks.

But the links to Neves in January indicate that, if any position was to be targeted in the short-term in a crisis, a new midfielder might be top of the list.

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