Manchester United are believed to be contemplating whether to make a move for Barcelona forward, Memphis Depay, as the Red Devils seek a low-cost centre-forward option this month.

What's the word?

According to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, the Dutchman could well 'come under consideration' for the Red Devils in the current window, with the 28-year-old seemingly an attractive prospect with just six months remaining on his existing deal at Camp Nou.

That expiring deal should ensure that the 86-cap gem is 'available for a modest financial commitment', as per the report, while Manchester Evening News previously suggested that the playmaker could even be available on a 'loan basis', as United target a temporary, short-term option this month.

As per Whitwell, Erik ten Hag's side did hold talks with Depay's camp regarding a possible return to Old Trafford, albeit with that move said to have been driven by the player's representatives, rather than the Premier League outfit.

Martial upgrade

While the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has heightened the need for a new striking addition, the recent woes of Anthony Martial have also illustrated that further firepower could well be a necessity if the club are to maintain their top-four push.

The long-serving Frenchman was something of a "no-show" in the recent win over Bournemouth - in the words of respected journalist Samuel Luckhurst - having also missed a clear-cut chance in the victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

With Ten Hag and co having waited months to have the 27-year-old back to full fitness after an injury-plagued start to the campaign, the former Monaco man was expected to hit the ground running, although is once again proving somewhat unreliable.

Having scored just eight Premier League goals since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, Martial appears to have shown few signs of truly solidifying that centre-forward berth, hence the desire to get a new face in the door.

Turning to Depay could well be an affordable and astute upgrade as far as United are concerned, with the £177k-per-week ace likely chomping at the bit to improve upon his previous spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

The one-time PSV Eindhoven starlet scored just seven times in 53 games after joining during Louis van Gaal's tenure back in 2015, although subsequently went on to sparkle after sealing a move to Lyon 18 months later, having scored 76 goals and registered 55 assists in 178 games in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit.

The once "maverick" talent - as described by club legend Rio Ferdinand - showcased far greater consistency during his time in France, while also impressing in flashes during his stint in Catalonia with 14 goals in just 41 games.

Depay may not be an out-and-out striker in the traditional sense, although he still shows a willingness to make the difference where it matters as he averages 7.32 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, while Martial averages just 4.42 for that same metric.

The Netherlands international could also potentially offer a greater creative presence as he averages 11.61 progressive passes received per 90, while the current Red Devils man averages just 5.79 in that regard.

As such, bringing the Barcelona man back to Manchester could well be the much-needed upgrade that United are craving.