Sport
6 Manchester United transfer targets this summer
Manchester United’s recruitment has radically improved in the last year as they finally make positive strides in the post-Alex Ferguson era. But if the Red Devils are to muster a title challenge any time soon, they are likely to need to splash the cash again this summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will reportedly have up to £150 million to spend and may be able to raise further funds by moving on fringe players like Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Alexis Sanchez and Marcos Rojo. So who are the possible Manchester United transfer targets this summer?
6 Manchester United transfer targets
Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
Manchester United transfer news reported that an £89m bid was rejected for Jadon Sancho, who has long been considered one of the top Manchester United transfer targets. The England forward could be returning to Manchester this summer, just three years after leaving Manchester City.
The London-born 20-year-old is seen as the ideal addition to further strengthen a United attack that has looked deadly since the transformative January arrival of Bruno Fernandes in their midfield.
Mason Greenwood looks a future star but Sancho’s signing would enable Solskjaer to bring the youngster through in stages. A front line of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Sancho, with Fernandes providing the ammunition, looks to be one of the elite attacks in world football.
Borussia Dortmund will hold out for a bigger fee for Sancho but the coronavirus crisis is widely expected to push transfer fees for elite players down. United will hope to get him on the cheap.
Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
Should a deal for Sancho not be possible, an alternative Bundesliga option could present itself in Kingsley Coman.
Bayern Munich have signed Leroy Sane to add firepower to their attack which could reduce France international Coman’s opportunities in the first team.
Coman’s injury issues have hampered his development but, when he is fit, he remains one of the most exciting wide players in world football.
In a move that could weaken Bayern even further, recent Manchester United transfer news has suggested that United might be interested in a deal for Ivan Perisic, who has been on loan with the Bundesliga champions.
Perisic will be heading back to Inter, who may be willing to include the Croatia international in a possible permanent deal for United spare part Alexis Sanchez, who has impressed at San Siro.
Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
With David de Gea continuing to make regular errors in goal, one of Solskjaer’s big decisions for the upcoming campaign will surround the Spain stopper’s future.
United also have Dean Henderson to take into account, with the goalkeeper having impressed during two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, but could they enter the market instead?
Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the Rojiblancos would hope to receive a huge fee for a goalkeeper considered one of the world’s best.
Oblak’s release clause is reported to stand at a whopping €120 million, though Atletico may need to cash in on the Slovenia international in order to fund their own transfer business.
De Gea came to United from Atletico, of course, so could he be included in a deal for Oblak?
Gabriel Magalhaes (Lille)
Lille star Gabriel Magalhaes is also said to be one of the Manchester United transfer targets this summer.
The Brazilian defender is being lined up as a potential partner for club captain Harry Maguire, with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly not considered to be good enough.
At just 22 years of age, Magalhaes has plenty of time to develop further and he has shone in Ligue 1 this season, prompting speculation he could move to the Premier League.
Arsenal and Napoli are among the other clubs reportedly interested in signing Magalhaes but a resergent United would surely be the biggest draw.
Nuno Mendes (Sporting)
Sporting has been a good place to shop for United over the years, with Bruno Fernandes making a wonderful impact since he left the Lisbon club for Old Trafford in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani also came from Sporting, with Nuno Mendes potentially the next Manchester United transfer target to make the move between the clubs.
Mendes is a young left-back of huge potential, with United looking to improve on their options in that position despite having Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams.
Transfer reports in Portugal have claimed that United are also keeping tabs on Sporting’s Eduardo Quaresma, who is also just 18, with a double-deal for the two teenagers possibly on the cards.
Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Having helped his boyhood club, Aston Villa, avoid relegation, even the most dieheard Villa fans wouldn’t begrudge Jack Grealish a move to a top club if an offer comes in and for much of the season he has been rumoured to be among the Manchester United transfer targets.
However, Grealish won’t come cheap and Dean Smith’s side have reportedly slapped an £80m on the attacking midfielder. As such any move may depend on United finding a buyer for Paul Pogba who, despite some improved recent performances, is still said to be on his way out of the club,
The prospect of linking Grealish up with Bruno Fernandes could make United quite a frightening prospect next season.
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