'In talks': Man Utd open to permanent sale of 22yo defender before transfer deadline
Manchester United are poised to approve a surprise exit ahead of the winter transfer window.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United defender Rhys Bennett is in talks to join Fleetwood Town before the upcoming transfer deadline.
The 22-year-old could sign for Fleetwood on loan with a clause to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
However, United are also open to sanctioning a straight permanent transfer in this window if the right terms are agreed.
Bennett remains a highly regarded figure within the academy, having joined the club in 2020 and steadily built his reputation.
He captained the side that lifted the prestigious FA Youth Cup in the 2021/22 campaign, underlining his leadership credentials.
He scored the opening goal in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, with Alejandro Garnacho bagging the brace for the young Red Devils.
Bennett enjoyed a productive loan spell at Fleetwood during the 2024/25 season, where he gained valuable senior experience.
He made 35 appearances for the League Two outfit and could now be rewarded with a permanent return to the club.
Bennett has outgrown the academy and his pathway to the senior United side currently seems blocked.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are senior centre-backs.
United have also invested in two highly-rated young talents in Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, further tightening competition.
A move away would offer Bennett the chance to reboot his senior career, and there may be no better place to do so than Fleetwood.
It remains unclear whether the deal will be structured as a loan or completed as a permanent sale.
In recent years, United have routinely inserted buy-back or sell-on clauses when parting ways with academy graduates.
The club could once again take that route to protect their long-term interests in Bennett’s development.
Stats from FotMob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .