Manchester United have already decided their first transfer of the January window and it will involve one of their summer signings, according to reports. It has been a mixed campaign for the Red Devils, who have experienced plenty of highs and lows over the last few months. They have flirted with the Premier League's top four but are currently in mid-table following Monday's defeat to Everton.

United spent over £220million in the summer window, bringing in a number of big-name players with the aim of improving their squad. They also made one signing with an eye on the future, with teenage full-back Diego Leon among those to arrive at Old Trafford. He has found minutes hard to come by, though, and is still waiting for his Premier League bow despite making the bench on three occasions.

As a result, United are preparing to loan him out in January and have identified Nice as his most likely suitors, according to Paraguayan outlet Pasion Estudio.

Majority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe also owns the French outfit through INEOS and will reportedly use his connections to engineer a deal when the window opens.

United are seemingly happy to sanction a move despite the Red Devils being set to lose Noussair Mazraoui when he leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations, where he will represent Morocco.

A separate report from Mercado de Pases suggests that Leon would welcome the opportunity to join Nice on loan until the end of the current season.

The move would help him gain more experience in a top European league, which could benefit United upon his return ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite his lack of minutes at Old Trafford, the young defender appears to be enjoying life at the club following his summer move from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.

Speaking to MUTV earlier this season, Leon said: "It's incredible. I am really enjoying being here with team-mates and learning a lot of things.

"I talk with almost all of the players and they advise me, both on the pitch and personally, and the coaches are also teaching me a lot of things to be able to better polish my game."

United have also been tipped to bring more players in when the January window opens. They have been linked with a possible move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, with reports suggesting that around £44m could be enough to secure his signature.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is also thought to be a player of interest to United. However, the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be weighing up potential moves of their own.