Manchester United Transfer News: Leroy Sane, Marouane Fellaini, Top Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to go head-to-head with Liverpool to sign Schalke star Leroy Sane.

That's according to the Sun (h/t the Mirror's James Whaling), which noted the youngster emerged as a reported January target for the Reds following Jurgen Klopp's appointment as manager, but United have also entered the fray.

The 19-year-old has developed into one of the hottest young prospects in the Bundesliga since the start of last season, in which he struck nine times in all competitions.

Bleacher Report columnist Clark Whitney believed his impressive Champions League goal against Real Madrid could see him really kick on:

Indeed it seems Whitney has thus far been correct as the German has enjoyed a strong start to the 2015-16 campaign with five goals and four assists to his name already.

Sane is a versatile player capable of operating out wide or as a No. 10, and his willingness to drive forward at every opportunity and make things happen for his team could snap United out of their current slump.

The Red Devils have impressed defensively this season and currently sit just two points behind Manchester City and Arsenal, but in the final third they have frequently lacked a spark or any real imagination, culminating in them scoring just 17 goals in 12 Premier League games.

Football writer Liam Canning highlighted United's reliance on Anthony Martial as their only consistent attacking threat:

If Sane can maintain his promising development he has a strong future ahead of him, and he could be just the kind of player to revitalise United's uninspiring attacking play. 

One player who has failed to do so is Marouane Fellaini, who has made just one start in the league this season after being handed a more attacking role, per the Manchester Evening News' James Robson:

The Belgian has been frequently used as a substitute as manager Louis van Gaal's Plan B—to inject his height and physicality into United's forward line as a different approach to Martial and Wayne Rooney—but national team coach Marc Wilmots believes his place at Euro 2016 is in jeopardy.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Per Christophe Berti and Frederic Larsimont of Belgian outlet Le Soir (via the Mirror's Alex Richards), Wilmots said: 

"A player who does not play for his club is annoying for a coach. Fellaini could play to support the attack, as the No. 6. He has very good technique, very good ability to track back and recover. Maybe he will try to find a new challenge in January, if it is possible."

However, Van Gaal isn't likely to allow Fellaini to leave unless he can replace him, though, so the 27-year-old will have to force his way into the starting XI with some improved contributions.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

As their attacking struggles continue, United will continue to monitor the likes of Leicester City's in-form striker Jamie Vardy.

According the Daily Mail's Laurie Whitwell, the Red Devils have scouted the England international and his manager Claudio Ranieri has admitted he could weigh up his options in the summer, though the Italian remains hopeful he'll stay at the King Power Stadium:

"

Maybe next season they may choose the best solution for them, but it is important to see also where at the end of the season where Leicester is.

We don’t listen to the speculation. Jamie and his agent say he is very happy here. We want to grow up together. I hope we can continue all together.

"

The forward recently won the Player of the Month award for his impressive exploits in October, per Squawka Football:

"

Jamie Vardy's October by numbers: 5 goals 4 games 17 shots 29.4% conversion rate No stopping him.  pic.twitter.com/RW1CFGOd4J

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 10, 2015"

However, his form extends well beyond last month, as he has scored 16 goals and assisted five in his last 22 Premier League matches. The 28-year-old has pace to burn and a tenacious work rate to match, making him particularly difficult to defend against.

United podcaster Asim Tanvir would welcome him at Old Trafford:

However, Bleacher Report columnist Sam Tighe believes the forward happens to be enjoying a good run but isn't even good enough for clubs in the tier below United:

In years gone by the Red Devils wouldn't have seriously considered a move for Vardy even in his current form. However, given their situation at present the Englishman could make a useful acquisition in lieu of a marquee forward.

Old Trafford may not be Vardy's most likely destination next summer, but at the moment it's not inconceivable he could end up there either.