Manchester United transfer rumour: Louis van Gaal may sign Newcastle midfielder Ayoze Perez in January

Manchester United are considering a move for Newcastle United midfielder Ayoze Perez this January and are likely to make a bid when the transfer window opens in less than two months. The Spaniard has been among Newcastle's better players this season, with the Magpies managing to pull out of the relegation zone after a crucial win over AFC Bournemouth last weekend.

The Telegraph reports that United have been tracking Perez since the player joined Newcastle from Tenerife last year and are ready to act on their interest to give Louis van Gaal the options to challenge for the title. The Dutchman has openly proclaimed his desire to bring in a fast winger at Old Trafford given Memphis Depay's form and Ashley Young's inability to churn out classic performances on a day-to-day basis.

However, he will face competition from Arsenal and Tottenham, who have also been tracking his progress and may go head with the Red Devils to secure his signature. The Gunners have a considerable amount of cash at their disposal, which they may choose to spend in January to end their decade-long run without a title.

United are still favourites for his signature and Perez would be more than willing to move to Old Trafford should a bid come in for the 22-year-old. The midfielder can play across the front three and despite not blessed with a ample pace, he more than makes up for it with his dribbling ability and propensity to get into dangerous positions. He also has a good eye for scoring, finding the back of the net thrice thus far this season, in a Newcastle side which has been struggling up front.

The report states that Newcastle would be unwilling to sell midway through the season given their ambition to add more firepower to their front line and letting go of Perez would be a step in the backward direction.

Moreover, United have shown that they are not willing to back out from a risk by signing Anthony Martial this summer and are likely to make an effort to force Newcastle to part with their star player.