United Plan to Loan Winger and Sign Evra Replacement in January – Report

Manchester United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window as they plan to allow Wilfried Zaha to go out on-loan, while also bidding to secure a long-term replacement for left-back Patrice Evra.

Everton's Leighton Baines had appeared top of the wanted list but it now seems as though Saint Etienne defender Faouzi Ghoulam has also emerged as a target.

The 22-year-old recently told Sky Sports that he believed he would remain at the Ligue 1 club until the end of the season but admitted to being flattered at Manchester United's interest.

"I would love to finish the season her now, it has been a very difficult time for me in the summer with the Torino affair," said Ghoulam.

"However, things go quickly in football so we never know what is next. Manchester United? You are always flattered when such a big club is linked with you but I do not want to dream, the reality is to give 100 per-cent for St Etienne and see what will happen next."

The Algeria international has spent his entire career at the French club but has also attracted interest in recent months from AC Milan. Ghoulam may also be seen by United as a far easier player to purchase as the club have struggled to talk Everton into selling Baines.

With Evra admitting he could well leave at the end of the season, Manchester United boss David Moyes will be keen to quickly find a replacement as he has been unwilling to use current reserve Alexander Buttner.

While it seems likely there could be at least one new arrival in the new year, the Daily Mail are reporting that the reigning Premier League champions are considering allowing Zaha to go out on-loan.

The former Crystal Palace winger has made just one appearance since joining in the summer and Moyes is now considering allowing him to leave the club on a short term basis in order to gain regular first team football.

Cardiff City are said to be leading the race to land the 20-year-old who has not appeared once in the league for United but did impress in the 4-0 Capital One Cup victory over Norwich on Tuesday.