ALEXIS SANCHEZ TRANSFER LATEST

• Alexis Sanchez' move to Manchester United is now entirely reliant on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is in talks with Arsenal

• United have agreed to let Mkhitaryan, 28, go... but he has two-and-a-half years left on his Old Trafford contract and is likely to demand a “golden goodbye” payment because he hasn’t asked to leave

• Mkhitaryan is warned by a United source he could turn into a 'hate figure' if he stays

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to replace Sanchez at Arsenal

• United fans are getting impatient with one claiming this morning “I can see training ground from my bedroom window all the players was shaking a players hand hugs etc and he was small ish like Sanchez!!” - it appears to be a prank

• Alexis Sanchez could make his Manchester United debut against Burnley on Saturday

More deals to follow Sanchez

Bookies think Manchester United will continue to spend big this month after Alexis Sanchez's imminent arrival.

The Red Devils are now as short as 2/9 to make a move for the Arsenal forward.

Ladbrokes price Lucas Moura (9/4) as the most likely man to make the next move ahead of Nicolo Barella (4/1), but Javier Hernandez is now just a 9/2 shot for a shock return to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil is 5/1 to follow Sanchez from North London to Manchester, with Danny Rose (13/2) rounding out the quintet.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "With Sanchez seemingly set to join United in the coming days, it looks as though Mourinho's spending spree will continue right to Deadline Day."

Sanchez at the training ground?

One fan has claimed to have seen Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United’s training ground this morning - although it appears to be a prank.

“I can see training ground from my bedroom window all the players was shaking a players hand hugs etc and he was small ish like Sanchez!!” they wrote.

Express Sport understands Sanchez is current in London, however.

Mourinho's message to Ed Woodward

Jose Mourinho told Manchester United supremo Ed Woodward the club had to change their transfer policy - and he reacted by moving for Alexis Sanchez.

Manchester City have spent £100million more on players than United since the summer of 2016.

Mourinho has hit out at this but he believes United need to match that outlay to have a chance of keeping pace.

The Mirror say that prompted him to tell executive vice-chairman Woodward - and the United board - they had to spend more to avoid being left behind.

The club are traditionally reluctant to do business in January but Mourinho’s message prompted a change in policy.

Mkhitaryan could demand golden payment to leave

Henrikh Mkhitaryan holds the key in their bid to land Alexis Sanchez after Chelsea cooled their interest.

United are willing to trade Mkhitaryan in a straight swap deal for Sanchez but the Armenia international's agent Mino Raiola said his client will only go if he is happy with the contract offered by Arsenal.

He also wants to see if the Gunners succeed in signing his former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang.

Mkhitaryan, 28, has two and a half years left on his Old Trafford contract - worth about £20million - and is likely to demand a 'golden goodbye' payment because he has not asked to leave.

All in Mino Raiola’s hands?

Mine Raiola made it clear yesterday that his man Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be bullied into the move.

He said: "United are not going to sign Sanchez unless Mkhi agrees to join Arsenal. He's going to do what is best for him. He has two and a half years left on his contract, so it's his decision.

"Sanchez is part of Mkhi's deal. Not the other way around. Without him, Sanchez simply cannot go to United."

Raiola, an influential figure at United because he also represents Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, added: "Mkhi's problems at United are purely related to playing football. He has no problem with the manager. It is not personal.

"He doesn't have to leave. At this moment the chances of a move to Arsenal are low, but life is dynamic. This is a great deal for Arsenal. They need better, younger players and they have to invest. So it's up to Arsenal to put a deal in place and right now a deal is a long way off."