According to Italian publication Pianeta Milan, Manchester United remain interested in AC Milan hot-shot Hakan Calhanoglu as they are strongly considering making a move for him in January.

What's the story?

Calhanoglu is currently embroiled in a contract dispute with Milan, as talks over a new deal at San Siro have stalled, which means he will become a free agent in the summer, should he still be available.

And as per Pianeta Milan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the 26-year-old as the perfect partner to Portuguese magnifico Bruno Fernandes in the midfield.

One potential stumbling block is the kind of fee Milan could demand, although it's likely that United will look to offload outcasts like Jesse Lingard in the winter transfer window, who earns wages worth £75,000-per-week, to fund the transfer.

Upgrade on Jesse Lingard

After seeing Ed Woodward fail to get rid of much of the deadwood in the summer, there's no doubt United fans will be feeling a sense of frustration. It may seem like we're stating the obvious, but Calhanoglu would be a significant upgrade on Lingard.

The Turkey international was in scintillating form for Milan last season, managing to score nine goals and supply nine assists in 35 appearances in Serie A.

Whilst his performances have been mixed so far this season, this could be put down to his struggles with a knee injury.

His ability to play through the middle, upfront, on the left or off the right could make him a useful threat for United going forwards, the kind of versatile player that could offer the element of the unknown that could compliment the likes of Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.

Once hailed as an "exceptional" talent by Stefano Pioli, in 11 games in Serie A this season, the Turkish midfielder has provided two assists, whilst he is averaging 2.6 shots and 3.9 key passes per game, via WhoScored. By comparison, Donny van de Beek hasn't even managed a shot per game, let alone a shot on target.

Van de Beek arguably hasn't done enough yet to justify his hefty price-tag nor his position in the first team, but Calhanoglu could be a real game-changer. If Ed Woodward waits until the summer, he could seal a stunning coup for the playmaker.

AND in other news, Forget Sancho: Woodward must sanction Man Utd swoop for Leon Bailey...