Manchester United are reportedly preparing a double January raid of Crystal Palace duo Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
It's been a severely underwhelming start to the campaign for Michael Carrick's side with United experiencing their worst start to a league campaign since 1986.
Despite an evident requirement for defensive reinforcements to address their issues, the Red Devils continue to be linked with attacking players and reports suggest both Sarr and Mateta are high on the club's wishlist.
According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, United are keen to exploit Sarr's ongoing contract dispute with the Senagelese forward yet to agree an extension to his current Palace deal - although Sarr still has three years remaining on his existing contract.
Sarr was on the verge of departing Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window amid strong interest from Liverpool and clubs in Turkey, but the Eagles hierarchy blocked his departure.
It was reported by The Athletic in early October that Sarr was nearing an agreement on a new deal and Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage revealed talks were heading in a positive direction.
“It’s not already signed, it’s in discussion, but it’s in a good way,” Sage said ahead of Palace's 3-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest.
United are firm admirers of Sarr and his versatility would be welcomed to a forward line that's yet to fire on all cylinders this campaign.
The report further adds that Mateta is on the radar of the Old Trafford outfit.
United are keen to acquire at least one attacking reinforcement during the January window, irrespective of whoever is in charge of the club amid speculation concerning Carrick's future.
talkSPORT have added that Mateta would be keen on a switch to Man Utd with the Frenchman demonstrating little appetite to extend his current deal, which expires in June next year.
Carrick has been operating without a recognised number nine in the absence of the injured Benjamin Sesko and the club view Mateta as providing suitable depth to their forward line.
Mateta's minutes have been limited this season due to a hamstring injury with the France international making his return in Palace's 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton at the weekend.
