Alejandro Garnacho has been included in Manchester United's starting XI vs Crystal Palace in a possible indication he will be staying at the club.
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Argentina international starts vs PalaceNapoli & Chelsea wanted to sign wingerSale key to ease Utd's PSR worriesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The winger was put up for sale by United at the start of the January transfer window along with fellow youth academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo and Napoli and Chelsea both showed interest in signing him. However, his inclusion in Ruben Amorim's side to face Palace on Sunday would suggest he is not about to make a move, as any potential injury would scupper a transfer were it already far down the line.
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Garnacho, 20, is one of the most valuable players in the United squad and the club would reportedly be willing to part with him for £50m ($62m). Napoli are one club who have confirmed their interest in the Argentina international amid their search for a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia following the Georgian's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, although Antonio Conte's side have also said they will not be held to ransom.
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United boss Amorim dropped Garnacho from the squad for the Manchester derby in December and criticised his attitude in training but relations between the coach and forward have thawed and the winger has played a key role for the Red Devils within the last month. He set up Amad Diallo's equaliser against Liverpool and Kobbie Mainoo's goal against FCSB. Amorim indicated on Thursday that he wants Garnacho and Mainoo to stay. He said: "I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho. The focus is that we have to improve our academy. And you have to bring more [through]. That is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage of. The players that come from their academies. To play, to feel the shirt, but also to sell them. So our focus is to bring more [through]."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
United presented new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to fans before the match with Crystal Palace. They are also working on deals for Marcus Rashford to join Aston Villa and for Tyrell Malacia to move to Celtic, both on loan, before the window closes.