Cesc Fabregas could reportedly solve a key Manchester United problem with a record-breaking deal for Serie A side Como.
The Premier League legend is an investor in the Serie A side alongside Thierry Henry, and was appointed as their head coach in the summer.
Fabregas ended his career with the Italian club and subsequently joined the coaching staff. He took interim control of the team last season but was limited to a month in charge as he hadn't gained the necessary coaching badges, with former Crystal Palace assistant Osian Roberts taking temporary charge.
He has helped to convince a number of high-profile players to join Como since the summer, with Raphael Varane, Andrea Belotti, Sergi Roberto and Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone (loan) all joining the club.
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Former Tottenham and Everton midfielder Dele Alli is also training with the club as he looks to get back to full fitness after a nightmare two-year spell with injury problems.
Now, Como are reportedly in advanced talks to sign winger Assane Diao from Real Betis for what would be a club-record fee of €11 million.
And the move could indirectly benefit Manchester United and Ruben Amorim as the Portuguese boss looks to raise vital funds in January.
According to Spanish outlet ABC, Betis have expressed interest about the potential loan signing of United winger Antony, who is on the fringes of Amorim's squad.
Antony cost £86 million when United signed him from Ajax under Erik ten Hag in 2022, but he has failed to impress in the Premier League.
However, the move is considered to be a 'very difficult operation', as Betis want United to pay a portion of Antony's reported £200,000-per-week salary.
The report also claims that Betis would likely need to sell Diao for a move to be possible - which indicates both that they will move for Antony as the 19-year-old's replacement and there may potentially be a loan fee involved.
Both of those factors would represent small boosts for Amorim, who has admitted United - who are 14th in the Premier League - have little to no money to spend unless they sell players.
He told reporters after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday: "We don't have that possibility in January. You know the situation better than I [do]. It's not the case. I am not arriving here and I can spend a lot of money, changing all the team."
Topics: Cesc Fabregas, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Transfers
Ryan Smart