Manchester United interested in two Bayern Munich forwards

The winter transfer window finally opened on Monday. Bayern Munich are going to be busy this month when it comes to incomings. However, Bayern’s squad will not see any major departures as Thomas Tuchel wants a bigger squad for two competitions.

Despite Die Roten’s stance on departures, few clubs may approach them this winter for transfers. Manchester United could be one of the biggest clubs in Europe that may explore deals to sign players from Bayern.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United retain interest in Bayern’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The English club is also closely following the situation of Thomas Muller at Die Roten. The Red Devils want to strengthen their attack in January as they are struggling for goals in the Premier League.

There is close to zero chance for Muller leaving Bayern in the winter transfer window. The German forward signed a one-year contract extensions with the club in December. Despite seeing his game time reduced this season, Muller is eager to stay in Munich and help the team win big trophies in the next 18 months.

Choupo-Moting’s situation at Bayern is different than Muller. The 34-year-old striker’s contract at Die Roten is set to expire at the end of the season. It does look like there is no new deal in the pipeline for Choupo-Moting at Bayern. The ongoing winter transfer window is the last opportunity for the record Bundesliga champions to get a fee for Choupo-Moting.

It remains to be seen if Thomas Tuchel is open to the departure of Choupo-Moting. He is the natural backup number nine in the squad since Mathys Tel has been used on the flanks this season. Considering the jam-packed schedule in Ruckrunde, Tuchel may want to keep the Cameroonian forward.

Moreover, Manchester United may struggle to come up with an adequate offer for Choupo-Moting. As per The Athletic, the Red Devils can only afford loan signings in January to comply with financial fair play rules. Bayern will not sanction a loan deal for Choupo-Moting since he has five months left on his contract. They will only entertain permanent offers for Choupo-Moting.

In terms of arrivals in January, Bayern are looking to strengthen the defense. The record Bundesliga champions want to add a versatile defender (center-back/right-back) to the squad. Tuchel is hoping to add two players to the squad this month. The German coach has been keen on strengthening the midfield department by signing a defensive midfielder.