Alexis Sanchez
Manchester United are interested in signing Alexis Sanchez in January. [Reuters]

Manchester United are targeting another Barcelona player in the January transfer window as they look to make up for the disappointment of missing out on Cesc Fabregas by signing in-form forward Alexis Sanchez.

Barcelona were quick to reject a bid for Fabregas in the summer and the player stated that he was happy to remain at the Spanish champions, but United will be hoping for more success in their pursuit of Sanchez.

The 25 year old has been in sparkling form this season for both club and country scoring four goals in his last two appearances as Barcelona beat Vallodolid 4-1 and Chile drew 3-3 with Colombia.

Sanchez already has four league goals this season and has impressed under new boss Tata Martino but there is a belief that he could struggle for regular football once Lionel Messi is back from injury.

Barcelona have plenty of options in attacking positions and Sanchez must compete with the likes of Messi, Neymar, Pedro and Christian Tello for a regular starting as one of the front three.

Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Manchester United are interested in trying to sign Sanchez as manager David Moyes is unhappy with displays of wide men Antonio Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young.

Sanchez is at his most dangerous when deployed in the wide areas and it was his form in this position for Udinese that led to interest from Manchester City in the summer of 2011 before he joined Barcelona for €35m.

With Manchester United enduring a difficult start to the season, Moyes has come under pressure for his business in the transfer market as Marouane Fellaini was the only senior player to arrive at the club.

It is expected that Moyes will be handed major funds in January and it seems he may well look to convince Barcelona to part with Sanchez.

The Chile international may well feel he would land more first team opportunities at Old Trafford but it is suggested that he is happy to remain at Barcelona because his family are settled in the city.