Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Sadio Mane and Nicolas Gaitan Rumours

Manchester United won't be able to land reported transfer target Sadio Mane in January even if they offer Southampton a nine-figure sum, according to Saints manager Ronald Koeman.

Per Metro.co.uk's George Bellshaw, Koeman was adamant that the winger would be going nowhere in the winter transfer window. "No, no, not in January," he said. "Already we spoke about that situation and we sell nobody in January. Nobody, even when they pay £100 million."

While the Dutchman is obviously exaggerating—it's hard to imagine the club turning down such a ridiculous offer—the message is crystal-clear: Mane isn't for sale in January.

Football writer Liam Canning believes United should be pursuing the Senegalese winger in January, and journalist Jonas Giaever believes he would fit in well at Old Trafford:

"

Who do you think #mufc should be looking at in the January transfer window (if any)? For me: Mahrez and Mané.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) November 2, 2015"

The 23-year-old has been in fine form since joining Southampton at the start of last season, scoring 17 goals and assisting on 12 for the Saints, including seven apiece in this campaign.

With Wayne Rooney's poor form showing little sign of abating and Memphis Depay hardly setting the world alight since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven, a pacy, attack-minded player is surely on the agenda for January at Old Trafford. United have mustered just 20 goals in 14 Premier League outings this season.

It seems the club will have to look elsewhere, though, unless they're willing to part with far more than Mane is worth to prise him away from Southampton.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal recognises the difficulties United will face in adding quality reinforcements this winter.

"We are looking [at players for January] but as you know it is not so easy to buy players and in January it is more difficult. We are looking but it is not for sure," he said, per Sam Long of the Evening Standard.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (Metro.co.uk's Mark Brus), the club are also looking at Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan and are scouting him ahead of the window.

Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press

Gaitan is in strong form this season with four goals and eight assists to his name in all competitions—including three strikes in the UEFA Champions League—building on the four goals and 16 assists he accrued last year.

The Argentinian is showing the kind of incisive form that could make him a useful signing for the Red Devils, who are crying out for some creativity and a killer touch in the final third.

The 27-year-old has been perpetually linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years, so further rumours should be taken with a pinch of salt—don't expect him to be making the switch this January.