Saturday's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup: Phil Jones, David Alaba, Axel Tuanzebe

The January transfer window has now closed, leaving Manchester United to begin looking forward to the summer for their next round of recruitment.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Old Trafford.

Saturday morning's Manchester United transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester United 'decided against Dayot Upamecano signing after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer request'

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Manchester United reportedly decided against moving for Dayot Upamecano as the club's head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a left-footed centre-back to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils were strongly linked with the France international before it was confirmed that Bayern Munich had agreed a deal to sign him from RB Leipzig.

According to ESPN, the 22-year-old was of interest to United, but Solskjaer's desire to sign a left-footed centre-back means that the 20-time English champions did not seriously pursue the Frenchman.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been the team's first-choice partnership for much of the season, but the pair are both right-footed and have struggled for consistency during the 2020-21 campaign.

Sevilla's Jules Kounde is thought to be a leading transfer target for United, with Solskjaer being informed that the club are prepared to spend big on a new defender ahead of next season.

The 20-time English champions will be looking to build on Thursday's 4-0 win over Real Sociedad when they face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday night.

Manchester United 'have been in contact with David Alaba's agent'

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Manchester United have reportedly contacted the agent of Bayern Munich defender David Alaba as the speculation surrounding the Austria international continues.

Alaba will leave Bayern on a free transfer this summer, and a number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the versatile defender, who is aiming to win his 10th Bundesliga title this season.

According to ESPN, Real Madrid are the favourites for the 28-year-old, with Zinedine Zidane's side facing the possibility of having to replace club captain Sergio Ramos.

However, the report claims that a number of other clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, have also been in contact.

United were thought to be out of the running for the Austrian, but the Red Devils have allegedly also been in touch with Alaba's agent Pini Zahavi to discuss a possible switch to Old Trafford.

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is believed to have made it clear to the 20-time English champions that he wants to sign a left-footed centre-back ahead of next season.

More transfer news from Manchester United:

Phil Jones to leave Manchester United this summer?
Manchester United would be willing to sell Phil Jones this summer if they bring a new central defender to the club, according to a report. Read more.

Manchester United 'could allow Axel Tuanzebe to leave on loan'
Manchester United could allow Axel Tuanzebe to leave Old Trafford on loan for the 2021-22 campaign, according to a report. Read more.

Bayern Munich 'concerned by Manchester United interest in Kingsley Coman'
Bayern Munich are reportedly growing increasingly concerned about Kingsley Coman's contract situation amid interest from Manchester United. Read more.

Borussia Dortmund 'would rather sell Jadon Sancho than Erling Braut Haaland'
Borussia Dortmund would rather Jadon Sancho left the club this summer than Erling Braut Haaland, according to a report. Read more.