Former Watford striker Troy Deeney believes a move from Monaco to Manchester United would be a major step backwards in Folarin Balogun's career.
According to TEAMtalk, United are considering the 25-year-old USA striker as one of their main targets for January. Michael Carrick's side are 17th in the Premier League and are struggling in attack amid Benjamin Sesko's injuries.
Deeney, however, believes the move would benefit neither the club nor the player. Speaking to CBS Sports, he said:
No, no, no. It won't benefit Manchester United or Folarin Balogun himself.
It just won't work. Over the past decade, there hasn't been a striker who has gone to Manchester United and achieved major success. The club don't create the conditions needed for that.
I actually thought a move to Everton made sense. The thing is, Everton create good chances. If you look at Thierno Barry, he isn't making the most of his opportunities at the moment and often misses.
Balogun made a brilliant start to the season, had a great World Cup and scored a lot of goals in the Champions League. I think the Manchester United project would hold his career back.
Balogun was close to joining Everton in the summer, but Monaco pulled out of the deal at the last minute. The striker is valued at around £42 million.
Balogun has previously not ruled out a return to the Premier League. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said:
Yes, it's quite possible. There are many unexpected twists in football, as we saw after the World Cup.
I was close to a transfer, but it didn't happen. However, a return to the Premier League is definitely still one of the options.
