Villarreal lining up transfer swoop for Man Utd’s Facundo Pellistri with Erik ten Hag willing to let winger leave

VILLARREAL have reignited their interest in Facundo Pellistri as the Manchester United winger chases more game-time.

Sevilla and Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s Nice are also being linked with the Uruguayan.

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Facundo Pellistri has been told by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag he must ‘step up’ from being a sub but that could mean a January exit on loan[/caption]

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Amad Diallo is now fit, seemingly putting the squeeze on Pellistri[/caption]

And Red Devils‘ boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly ready to offload him – at least on loan.

Pellistri, 22, last started for United in September and has since slipped further down the pecking order.

That’s because Alejandro Garnacho has emerged impressively this season and fellow wideman Amad Diallo is now fully fit.

Now Villarreal have renewed the interest in Pellistri that they were understood to have shown early in the campaign.

But the suggestion Nice are keen could be even more intriguing.

United’s incoming 25% owner Ratcliffe owns the French club, as well as Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport, via his INEOS company.

And any Nice deal for Pellistri would be the first transfer between United and one of the clubs that Britain’s richest man is involved in.

The ex-Penarol star has never come close to a regular run for the Red Devils since arriving from his home country for around £9million in 2020.

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He’s already had two loan spells in LaLiga, both with Alaves.

And Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag said two months ago: “For Pelli he has to make a step from a bench player, often having a very good impact, to a starting XI player.

“We will see how quick that process will go.”

And one rival for an attacking slot out wide at United is even more likely to move on in January than Pellistri.

Outcast Jadon Sancho appears certain to head out – with old club Borussia Dortmund the favourites to clinch a loan switch.

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