David Moyes was escorted into Borussia Monchengladbach's stadium by Toni Kroos' agent on Friday night after being alerted to a contract stand-off between the Germany midfielder and his Bayern Munich bosses.
Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic and Moenchengladbach midfielder Patrick Herrmann were believed to be the two main points of interest for the Manchester United manager when he booked his seat at Borussia Park for the Bundesliga fixture, which the visitors won 2-0.
But while both are under review at Old Trafford, Kroos has dramatically emerged as a viable target after his representative Sascha Breese, from the Sports Total agency, met Moyes and coaches Phil Neville and Steve Round and sat with them at the game.
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Hard worker: Manchester United manager David Moyes with Toni Kroos' agent (right) in Germany
At 24 and with a stack of Germany caps to his name, Kroos is a perfect fit for the area of United's team in most urgent need of improvement, and the Germany midfielder could be prised away after stalling over a new deal at the Allianz Arena.
His current deal runs out at the end of next season, and Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted: 'It is always about money in every agreement, and talks have so far failed to lead to a new contract for Toni. We are interested in prolonging his stay with us.'
Bayern would doubtless ask at least £25million for Kroos, but United have illustrated their willingness to spend big by agreeing a £37m fee for Chelsea's Juan Mata.
Bayern are also hoping to open contract talks with Mandzukic, but United will be heartened by news of a fall-out between the free-scoring striker and coach Pep Guardiola. Mandzukic, whose contract runs until 2016, was evidently accused of lacking enthusiasm in training and axed from the squad for Friday night's game.
‘Mandzukic could pack his bags,' said club legend Franz Beckenbauer. 'I see Lewandowski in the attack, his playing style is suited for (Pep) Guardiola's ideas than that of Manduzkic.
‘There are even more reasons why he could leave - even without him, Guardiola could still count on Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze in attack.’
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Raconteur? David Moyes (left) shares a joke with former Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes (centre)
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Deep in discussion? David Moyes knows he needs to strengthen his squad before the end of January
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Incoming? Monchengladbach striker Max Kruse (left) is interesting United but Bayern's Dante (right) isn't
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Significant lead: Bayern Munich's victory took them 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga
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The goalscorers: Thomas Muller (right) and Mario Gotze (second left) were again key for Bayern
As for the match itself, Muller set up one goal and scored a penalty to help the Bundesliga leaders go 10 points clear as the league resumed after the winter break.
Despite the absence of key players, including the injured Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern picked up where they left off in December to stretch their unbeaten run to 42 consecutive league games.
After a nervous opening spell in which third-placed Gladbach squandered a golden chance, Bayern, who have now won their last nine league games, settled and came close when Gotze's shot scraped the post.
Gotze started in a lone striker role after Mario Mandzukic was dropped from the squad for not having trained well, according to sports director Matthias Sammer.
He soon had better luck when Muller raced down the right wing and cut the ball back for his Germany team mate to drill into the net for the lead after seven minutes.
Gladbach were constantly on the backfoot against a Bayern side who never hit top speed but controlled possession, using defender Philipp Lahm as a holding midfielder while Spaniard Thiago orchestrated the game.
The hosts did come close twice on the stroke of half-time with Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer palming a Kruse shot on to the post and denying Juan Arango from close range.
Muller got on the scoresheet eight minutes after the restart, converting a penalty to condemn Gladbach to their first home defeat of the campaign before the hosts hit the woodwork again through Herrmann.
On Saturday, second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, on 37 points, are in action at lowly Freiburg while Borussia Dortmund, fourth with 32, host mid-table Augsburg. Gladbach are third on 33.
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Hitting the target? Max Kruse (centre) could strengthen United's attacking options
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Looking to impress? Patrick Herrmann hit the post during his side's defeat by Bayern Munich
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Left out: Mario Mandzukic (left) could leave Bayern Munich when Robert Lewandowski arrives
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Ball winner: Javi Martinez (left) would provide United's defence with a much-needed midfield anchor
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