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Hello and welcome to the daily Manchester United transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours!
The Red Devils are expected to complete a flurry of transfer deals in this window, given their attempts to renovate their current roster. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward tasked with the challenge of steering the club back to its former glory, this transfer window is set to be the most crucial one since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as the manager.
On that note, let's have a look at the top stories featuring Manchester United in the rumour mill today.
Manchester United handed blow in Matthijs de Ligt chase
A few weeks ago after Manchester United were reported to be close to signing the highly-rated Matthijs de Ligt, it appears that his transfer saga has taken yet another twist. Based on the player's recent statements and claim by Spanish journalist Oriol Domenech, the Dutchman now seems to be leaning towards a move to the Nou Camp.
When asked about his future, de Ligt said,
“I still do not know what my heart says. In my holidays I will be able to think about it and decide what I am going to do with my future.The most important thing is to know that in the team where I go I can have a leading role and play many games."
“I do not know when I’m going to have it resolved, but I’m going to take my time. Money is not the problem. Of course it would be nice to play De Jong at Barça, but I must also look at what is best for me.”
Meanwhile, Oriol Domenech also appeared to confirm the 19-year-old's move to Catalonia
"The number is already agreed upon and that is what Barca will pay if De Ligt decides to come. The agreement between the two clubs is total."
"If he comes to Barca, I doubt that they will announce it in June. They will announce it in July."
Domenech also confirmed that Barcelona will fork out €75m for de Ligt's signature, if he chooses to join them.
Manchester United have no intention of selling Paul Pogba to Real Madrid
According to various reports in the rumour mill, Real Madrid have been trying hard to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United this summer. However, it appears that the Premier League giants are far from letting their prized asset leave this summer.
According to Spanish outlet AS via the Mirror, Los Blancos have opened negotiations with the Red Devils for the Frenchman, however, CEO Ed Woodward has told them that Pogba isn't up for sale. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer views him as an integral part of the squad as he is busy rebuilding the roster.
The 26-year-old himself has endured a tough time at Old Trafford in the recent weeks, in spite of finishing as the club's highest goalscorer for the season with 16 goals to his credit. However, Real Madrid are still hopeful that they can agree a deal for Paul Pogba in the next summer.
Red Devils open talks with Barcelona for Ivan Rakitic
According to Spanish publication Sport via The Express, Manchester United are keen on acquiring the services of Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic this summer. The Red Devils have reportedly opened talks with the Blaugrana over a potential deal for the Croatian.
Rakitic's future at the Nou Camp has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Although the player and the club both want their association to continue, the two parties haven't been able to agree on a new contract.
With Rakitic's current deal set to expire in June 2021, the 31-year-old has been told that his wages won't be improved if he decides to extend his stay.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Rakitic would be a fine upgrade in the midfield department after he lost Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera this season. It remains to be seen if United do succeed in landing the Croatian.
Manchester United chasing £130M duo Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka
If reports from the Evening Standard are to be believed, Manchester United are working on a double deal to land English defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer. Solskjaer wants to upgrade the ailing defence and is eyeing deals for the Englishmen to support his cause.
United have already failed with a £40m bid for Wan-Bissaka, with Crystal Palace said to want £60m for him. The Red Devils are set to return with an improved offer of £50m in the hope of making the 21-year-old the most expensive defender in their history.
The same stands for Leicester City's Harry Maguire as well; the Foxes have slapped a £90m price tag on the 26-year-old this summer, as the attempt to ward off potential interest from the Manchester clubs this summer.
Red Devils close to agreeing a deal for Bruno Fernandes
According to Pietro Balazano Prota, the director of Italian broadcaster Radio Rossonera, Manchester United have already agreed a deal with Sporting CP for the services of Bruno Fernandes. The talks are in the final stage and the deal should be wrapped up soon.
Tweeting about the confirmation of the deal, Balazano Prota wrote:
“An agreement with the club has been reached,” Balzano Prota wrote on Twitter. “They are supposedly working on the last details, one aspect being the commissions. Various clubs seem interested in the player, but for now Man Utd is very close to signing him.”
Bruno Fernandes is set to be the second signing of the Red Devils this summer, with the club already acquired Daniel James from Swansea. Following an impressive performance in Portugal's UEFA Nations League final against the Netherlands, a number of clubs were said keen on signing him, with Tottenham and Liverpool amongst the interested parties.
For more Manchester United transfer news and rumours, visit our Manchester United Transfer News page.
