According to reports in the Mail on Sunday, Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero is open to a move from Old Trafford during the January transfer window in order to ensure that he will be Argentina's first-choice at the 2018 World Cup next summer.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Mail on Sunday says that the stopper, who played for his country in their 2014 World Cup final defeat against Germany, is concerned that his lack of games and rustiness mean that he could lose his place between the sticks for competition in Russia next summer.

While the 30-year-old got plenty of game time in the Europa League last season, the Red Devils' participation in the Champions League this term has limited his minutes on the pitch.

The Mail on Sunday says that Romero has told his advisers that he would prefer to play regular football elsewhere, even if he meant he was at a club who didn't have the same standing as United do.

The report adds that while the Argentina international may want out in the New Year, Jose Mourinho could block any move as he loves having him as cover for David De Gea as the club is fighting on four different fronts.

How has Romero done this season?

Despite making 18 appearances in all competitions last term – with 12 of those coming in the Europa League, including the final triumph against Ajax – the 30-year-old has only made four outings during the current campaign.

While he has appeared twice in the EFL Cup, he also started United's last two Champions League group games as they qualified for the knockout stages of the competition as group winners.

Will he be allowed to leave in January?

With the Red Devils potentially still competing in four competitions at the end of the January transfer window, Mourinho certainly won't want to let Romero leave.

That said, if the Argentine really does want to go then the Portuguese boss may feel that youngster Joel Pereira deserves a place in the squad, with the 21-year-old said to be highly-rated at Old Trafford.

[ad_pod ]