Manchester United pursuing midfield and defensive reinforcements
Manchester United are reportedly pursuing several midfield and defensive targets as the summer transfer window progresses. The club has already secured the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but manager Michael Carrick is said to be looking for a third midfielder.
Among the names linked with a move to Old Trafford are Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Kone, and Alex Scott. Reports indicate that United made an enquiry for Tchouameni, a France international who has played for Real Madrid for the last four years, making 195 appearances. Despite earlier reports of a new contract with Real, it is now suggested that the Spanish club might be willing to sell him if their valuation is met. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Tchouameni has already signed a new contract with Real Madrid and is considered an important player by Jose Mourinho, who pushed to keep him.
Midfield and Defensive Targets
While Tchouameni remains a ‘dream midfielder’ for United internally, Romano suggests his move to Old Trafford is unlikely due to his commitment to Real Madrid. Another Real Madrid player, Eduardo Camavinga, has also been linked, but he reportedly wishes to stay and work under Mourinho. Carlos Baleba of Brighton is another midfielder being strongly considered, with United reportedly making moves to reignite their interest in the player, although direct contact with Brighton has not yet occurred.
In terms of other midfield options, AS Roma’s Manu Kone is considered a more realistic target, with United reportedly preparing a bid of around £51m for the French player. United had conversations with Kone’s agents weeks ago. The club is also reportedly looking at strengthening its defensive options, specifically at left-back, to provide competition for Luke Shaw.
Reports from Turkey suggest United are in a transfer race with Chelsea for Fenerbahce’s Archie Brown. Both clubs are reportedly following the 24-year-old English left-back, with Fenerbahce said to be asking for €20 million (£17m) and a sell-on clause. Fenerbahce’s manager, Ismail Kartal, is reportedly keen to keep Brown.
Other Transfer Activity
United have also been active in signing younger talent. They are reportedly negotiating compensation fees with Manchester City and Liverpool for academy players David Eze, Karim Cassim, and Isaac Konde, respectively. The plan is for these players to initially join the club’s Under-18s squad.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have completed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million on a five-year deal until 2031. United had reportedly been interested in Anderson but opted to sign Santos and Tielemans instead. Additionally, Alejandro Garnacho has moved from Chelsea to Aston Villa on an initial loan deal, with Villa required to sign him permanently for £42.5m if certain conditions are met. United are set to benefit around £4.25m from this deal due to a 10 per-cent buyout clause from his previous move to Chelsea.
The future of Marcus Rashford is also a topic of discussion, as he is set to rejoin the United squad after his post-World Cup break. His dream move to Barcelona appears unlikely after the Catalan club did not activate a £26 million clause in his loan agreement. United are reportedly seeking alternative permanent buyers, with Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs linked to the forward.
United are also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, a Senegal international who impressed during the World Cup. While not considered a priority target, he remains on the club’s shortlist as United assess options to strengthen out wide.
The club is also looking to clear Rashford’s £325,000-a-week salary to protect their wage structure, and without a permanent deal in sight, United could consider a loan move for him towards the end of the window.
For Warren Zaïre-Emery, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly unwilling to sell the midfielder, despite United’s readiness to launch a €60 million (£51m) bid. PSG reportedly wants to keep their midfield core intact, and Zaïre-Emery’s current deal runs until 2029.
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Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
