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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.
Wayne Rooney backs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's transfer plans
Former Manchester United superstar has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's transfer strategy this summer. With the Red Devils in the midst of one of their most important transfer windows in the recent times, the Norwegian is targetting young British players to improve an ailing squad instead of spending millions on established superstars.
And, the current DC United forward has given his nod of approval to his former Old Trafford teammate. When asked about United and their transfer plans while speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney said,
“The first thing Ole has to do is build the squad and I don't think bringing in one or two players for £100m is going to help the players already there."
"Ole's better spending £30-40million on players with potential and building the squad around those five or six players."
"You could bring in players in [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi, [Sergio] Ramos or [Gareth] Bale but it's going to cost you £350m and you'd get two years out of them and you've written that money off."
Manchester United have already launched their strategy in action, having signed 21-year-old Daniel James from Swansea City for £15m.
Red Devils fall behind in de Ligt race
Manchester United appear to have fallen behind in their pursuit of Dutch star Matthijs de Ligt. The 19-year-old Ajax skipper is in high demand after leading the club to a league title and the Champions League semifinals. He is also set to star for the Netherlands against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final later today.
According to Sport, French giants Paris Saint Germain are now interested in his services and are ready to make a £80m bid to ward off interest from Barcelona and Man United.
De Ligt was initially rumoured to be close to a Barcelona move before United stole a march by offering a higher pay package. However, PSG are now in pole position after offering the player a £13.3m package per year.
De Ligt is said to be uncertain on his future yet and will make the decision following the Nations League final. Fellow Dutchmen Ronald Koeman, Frenkie de Jong and Jasper Cillessen have alread held talks with him over his future, but it remains to be seen if he heeds to their advice.
Manchester United can sign Gareth Bale for £25m
Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid has been under scrutiny following Zinedine Zidane's appointment as the headcoach. The Frenchman is keen to offload the 29-year-old as he aims at rebuilding a team for the future.
Bale has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Tottenham, however his hefty price tag coupled with his massive wages and constant injury problems have warded the clubs off from making a move.
However, certain reports are now claiming that the Red Devils can sign Bale for a season-long loan that would cost just around £25m.
Former Liverpool defender and ESPN pundit Steve Nicole has, however, advised United against going for the Welshman. He casted doubt on Bale's potential to play a full season in the Premier League, given how the attacker has struggled to maintain fitness in a less physical league in the LaLiga.
Manchester United considering moves for Eriksen and Tielemans
Paul Pogba's future at Old Trafford is anything but uncertain at the moment. Manchester United have already started drawing up a list of possible replacements for the Frenchman, despite having made their intentions clear about not selling him this summer.
The 26-year-old still has two years left on his current contract with an option to extend it further by 12 months.
Amid Real Madrid's constant attempts to prize him away from Old Trafford, Solskjaer and Ed Woodward are said to be considering moves for Youri Tielemans and Christian Eriksen as possible replacements for Pogba.
Tielemans impressed in his loan spell with Leicester City this season while Eriksen has also made it clear that he would like to leave Tottenham and try something new.
The Belgian playmaker is yet to make decision on his future while a deal for the Dane could be a hard nut to crack, knowing chairman Daniel Levy won't let his prized asset leave without a hassle.
Manchester United get a boost in Joao Felix chase
Benfica winger Joao Felix is the subject of a transfer war between the Manchester clubs this summer. The Citizens are regarded to be in pole position to land the 19-year-old but recent comments on his future by Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira could also tempt United in making a move.
According to the president, Felix is not ready to negotiate an extension, which means he will be on the move this summer. And, according to Express Sports, Solskjaer is interested in making a move for Felix given that he fits his bill of requirements.
Shedding light on the matter, Vieira said,
“We sit down with players and they say: ‘President, I can earn five million euros, president, do not make me stay here,’” Vieira told club members."
“Joao Felix had a release clause of £53.4m (£60m) and we realised after two or three games that we must increase it to £107m (£120m)."
“But it is Joao Felix and his family who will decide if he stays. If someone bids £107m (€120m) it is not worth dreaming that he will stay."
“We are trying everything to ensure he stays. But the only way is if we sell him and keep him another year. If not, Joao leaves. There is no room to negotiate further. He doesn’t want to.”
For more Manchester United transfer news and rumours, visit our Manchester United Transfer News page.
