Folarin Balogun could leave AS Monaco in January, and the USMNT star has a chance to represent Manchester United, a report said. The 25-year-old is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who is actively searching for potential destinations for the striker.

Paris Brunner is Monaco's preferred striker, and Balogun, who had a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, has played just five games in Ligue 1. Monaco have left him out of their European squad as well, making the situation even more difficult.

Benjamin Sesko's injury means Manchester United will need another striker to save their blushes, and Balogun has been added to the list of potential purchases. Premier League-experienced Jean-Philippe Mateta and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were earlier reported to be the club's top priorities. Mateta is desperate to leave Crystal Palace at the earliest opportunity, but Balogun is younger and faster. Furthermore, the Arsenal youth academy product is no stranger to English conditions.

The US striker, who has also played for Middlesbrough and Stade Reims, almost joined Everton in the summer before the deal collapsed on deadline day. The Toffees have not given up on the deal fully yet. Also tracking the striker are Leeds United, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest, TEAMtalk said in a report.

It was not immediately known whether Monaco will sell their player in January or offer a loan deal with an option to buy. The €50 million-rated, right-footed striker's current deal runs until 2028.

Meanwhile, a 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday left Manchester United one spot above the Premier League drop zone. United are 17th with seven points from nine games, above Crystal Palace in the final relegation spot on goal difference, and are winless in their last nine matches—their longest run without a victory since 1984, according to data firm Opta.

The club board decided to stick with current manager Michael Carrick for the Chelsea game despite a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth and a 4-1 drubbing at Como in the Champions League in the lead-up to the match. However, it remains to be seen whether Carrick can survive until reinforcements arrive in January.

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