Man United set to sell Overy and Jackson with buyback clauses as Baldé pursuit intensifies

Manchester United are poised to allow two young defenders to leave before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with 18-year-old James Overy heading to Sydney FC and 20-year-old Louis Jackson in advanced talks with St Mirren — both deals structured to include buyback clauses that keep the door open for a future return to Old Trafford.

Overy, a right-back born in Perth, previously spent time with Western Sydney club Perth Glory between 2023 and 2024 before joining Newton Abbot Spurs and eventually United’s academy. He represented Australia at last season’s U20 World Cup and has since earned a senior international call-up, but featured only at under-21 level for United this season. Jackson, a Scottish youth international who operates in defence, is set to undergo a medical with St Mirren on Thursday. He spent last season out on loan, split between Tranmere Rovers and Solihull Moors, and has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club.

The outgoings form part of a broader window of activity at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick, who has already brought in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow, and most recently Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Further additions are expected before the deadline, with a new left-back the club’s primary remaining target.

Luke Shaw, 31 and entering the final year of his contract, has long been hampered by injury, and United have limited cover behind him. An approach for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was rebuffed — Newcastle are unwilling to sell after losing several key players this summer — and attention has since turned to Barcelona’s Alejandro Baldé.

The 22-year-old Spain international has reportedly fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou and has asked agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club before the window closes. United are said to be leading the race for his signature. Reports have also surfaced of a late enquiry for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, though that move remains at an early stage.

Joshua Zirkzee has also been linked with a return to Serie A, two years after arriving from Bologna, as United continue to trim their squad ahead of the deadline.