Man United get Oliver Glasner transfer green light for dream welcome gift amid manager links

Oliver Glasner's arrival as Manchester United's next head coach would come with the added benefit that he could help land an incredibly desirable transfer target

As if Oliver Glasner's Premier League CV didn't speak for itself, Manchester United would get a welcome boost in the transfer market should they hire him. At least in principle, that is, given it only looks like a matter of time before Marc Guehi leaves Crystal Palace.

Ruben Amorim's dismissal on Monday has reopened the forum regarding who will succeed him as United's next long-term boss. Glasner was cryptic when recently quizzed about him being the favourite to take over at Old Trafford, though that may not materialise until the summer when his contract expires.

He isn't the only one, either, given Guehi is in an identical position regarding the expiration date of his terms at Selhurst Park. The defender was widely expected to join Liverpool on transfer deadline day in the summer, only for negotiations to collapse at the 11th hour.

A move could now come to fruition this month following a hint from FA Cup-winner Glasner himself. Until recently, Palace had held firm in their stance that Guehi, who is now understood to be in Manchester City's sights as well, would not be allowed to leave midway through the campaign; however, that hardened position appears to have softened.

Speaking about the prospect of Guehi leaving in January, Glasner recently said: "There’s the situation that the contract ends in the summer and if somebody is coming, there will be a moment when the club says, 'Now the financial issue is more important than the sport issue.'

"We have to do it and try to get the best. That’s why I’m always saying, 'I don’t know.' Because this is different. “There will be a threshold where the club has to say [sell].

"If the player says, ‘I want to leave’ and the money is above the threshold, it will happen. I’m not so naive not to know that if a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen."

Except City may not be the only Manchester giant to weigh in this month, and United have their own need for such an asset. Not to mention the bonus enjoyment those at Old Trafford would feel from blocking their nemeses' efforts to reinforce.

Guehi is the real prize, however. He brings a commanding England international presence in defence at a potentially hefty discount. Moreover, the Eagles skipper would add some of the much-needed leadership qualities that have been lacking at Old Trafford for some time.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's regime has signed defensive talents like Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, but all are either too young or the wrong profile to be considered dressing room leaders. Harry Maguire has had his chance at the captaincy and is now hampered by fitness issues, similar to those of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, who haven't been present enough to be considered reliable.