Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Douglas Coutinho and Aymeric Laporte

Manchester United are reportedly working hard on securing deals for several highly touted youngsters with an eye on improving key areas of the squad during the January transfer window.

Louis van Gaal brought in plenty of star power during the summer and now appears to be turning toward long-term prospects with the potential to contribute immediately. And with the funds to make virtually any deal happen, fans can expect another busy window filled with plenty of exciting arrivals, as well as one or two key departures.

Here's the latest transfer news surrounding the Red Devils.

Douglas Coutinho to Travel to Europe to Discuss Potential Transfer

Martin Mejia/Associated Press

Manchester United are one of three clubs who will talk to Brazilian striker Douglas Coutinho during his 10-day trip to Europe, according to reports from Brazil (h/t 101greatgoals.com's Ben Green).

The 20-year-old will meet with United as well as AS Monaco and Atletico Madrid, as Red Devils scouts have reportedly watched him extensively in recent weeks. Coutinho would carry a £5 million price tag for United, with the fee jumping to £7.5 million for the teams on the continent.

Brazilian football expert Zizouology adds that Coutinho's performances have been grabbing the spotlight in the past few months, which explains why his agent is keen on a European move for his client:

Coutinho has scored seven times in 26 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, but all of his goals came during a stretch of nine matches—he hasn't scored in his last 13 appearances.

His talent is obvious, however, combining a strong physical build with excellent technique and an eye for goal.

Green believes his club, Atletico Paranaense may be unwilling to sell, but a 10-day trip to Europe to talk with several interested clubs would indicate his time playing in the Brazilian league is over.

United Enquire About Aymeric Laporte

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

The race to land talented Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte is heating up fast, and the Daily Mirror's David McDonnell reports the Red Devils have made enquiries for his services with an eye on a January move.

The France international has a £32 million buyout clause, but Van Gaal would be willing to pay such a large fee given the 20-year-old's immense talent.

Anchoring the Bilbao defence, Laporte has risen to fame in the past 12 months, firmly establishing himself as one of the best young defenders on the planet. Known for his physical playing style, his profile seems almost tailor-made for the Premier League.

Athletic Bilbao haven't enjoyed the greatest start to the season in La Liga, contributing to reports the French youngster may be interested in leaving the Basque outfit. Spanish sources remain adamant he is not looking for a transfer right now, as reported by El Correo (h/t Inside Spanish Football's Heath Chesters).

A plethora of interested clubs and the accompanying high bids may sway the Basques in their desire to sell, however, and with the Red Devils still struggling at the back, there's little doubt they'll be major players should he become available.

Juan Mata Desperate to Prove His Worth as Juventus Shift Focus to Claudio Marchisio

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Juan Mata made it very clear he wants to fight for his spot at Old Trafford, while Juventus, who were rumoured to be interested in the Spain international, according to the Daily Express' Jamie Anderson, have shifted their gaze toward retaining the services of longtime midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

Mata told Spanish radio station Cope (h/t ESPN) what he believes he needs to do to become a full-time starter under Van Gaal:

"

What we have to do is what I did against Palace - seize every opportunity and to try to help the team. Luckily on Saturday my goal was worth three points.
It was an explosion of joy because the game was difficult, because we came away from several games without a victory and [the goal] was important. I'm very happy.

"

Speculation regarding a potential move away from the club keeps resurfacing as the midfielder has been unable to nab a regular starting position in 2014-15, trapped behind club captain Wayne Rooney.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Juventus' Massimiliano Allegri was believed to be interested in the Spaniard, with a swap deal for Italy international Marchisio a possibility, but Tuttosport (h/t Metro) reports the Bianconeri are ready to offer him a new contract, all but eliminating the chances of such a scenario coming to pass.

A product of Juventus' youth academy, the 28-year-old is one of the club's most popular players and a transfer to the Premier League always appeared unlikely.