Manchester United Transfer News: Top Stars, Major Rumours Ahead of January

Latest speculation indicates Manchester United will make a shock move for Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto in the new year, while former target Marcelo Brozovic is allegedly in talks with Premier League rivals Arsenal.

According to the Mirror's David McDonnell, United will attempt to bolster their attacking ranks with the acquisition of Mainz forward Muto when the January transfer window opens.

Joseph Nair/Associated Press

The 23-year-old has netted seven goals and made two assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season, while the Red Devils have struggled to raise competition in their forward line.

Summer signing Anthony Martial has been the club's standout attacker since arriving at Old Trafford for a fee of £36 million, but manager Louis van Gaal has insisted on captain Wayne Rooney starting up front much of the time.

Youngster James Wilson was sent on loan to Brighton and Hove Albion, while Memphis Depay hasn't been the scoring revelation United hoped for after he arrived from PSV for a reported £25 million over the summer.

Muto only signed for German outfit Mainz in May of this year, but OptaFranz highlighted just how quickly the former F.C. Tokyo ace had adapted to the European climate:

Many Red Devils would like to see Martial—this season's top scorer with six goals—installed as the permanent front man, but after offloading Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Radamel Falcao, more options are needed.

The Mirror's Liam Canning recently criticised United's lack of striking options prior to their 2-1 loss at the hands of Bournemouth:

Mainz undoubtedly wouldn't be keen on the idea of losing their star man so soon after acquiring his talents, but the pressure of a club like Manchester United could prove telling, and the player may be open to the move.

It's also noted former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, now a club board member, "is known to rate the player highly," and the Japan international could be a valuable marketing tool for the Asian audience if he were to arrive.

Meanwhile, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb reported this week that Arsenal are in talks to sign Inter midfielder Brozovic (h/t Metro's Sean Kearns). The Croatian explained his decision to join Inter on an 18-month loan deal last January after being linked with United at the time, per the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata:

"

I’m happy to be here, and I hope I can justify the club’s investment in me. I’m very young, and I hope to improve and become a complete player in a few years. I’m a midfielder, I can play defensive midfield or box-to-box depending on the formation. I really like Frank Lampard and I hope to be like him.

I love English football, but the Italian League is very fast and technical. I prefer it.

"

Brozovic's admiration for the Premier League bodes well for any English outfit that decides to make another move for his services after failing to tie down a first-team place at the San Siro.

It's suggested the Dinamo Zagreb playmaker will complete a permanent switch to Inter in January, and the Nerazzurri will then be able to sell his signature on should they wish.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Brozovic has made six starts for Inter this season, but where Roberto Mancini may have little use for the midfielder, Van Gaal may be able to find a place in his team.

United have seen the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin sidelined by injury of late, and reviving a bid for Brozovic could be one method of beefing up his engine room.