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Hello and welcome to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 5th August 2019. We bring you the biggest transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top picks for the day.
Also Read: Manchester United News and Rumours: August 2, 2019
#4 United reject a £27.6m plus James Rodriguez offer for Paul Pogba
We start today's segment with an update in the Paul Pogba rigmarole that has stretched beyond its comfort zone. Despite both Pogba and his agent confirming the Frenchman's desire to leave this summer, United held firm to their valuation of the player. As a result, both Juventus and Real Madrid, who were reportedly interested in the player had been kept at bay, until now. Both clubs had tested the waters with player plus cash offers, but none of those had been to United's liking. And as the transfer window draws to a close, Real Madrid have tested United's resolve once again with another similar offer.
The Telegraph reports that the Spanish giants have offered James Rodriguez and £27.6m for the services of Paul Pogba. The paltry bid, which was immediately rejected, was perhaps a confirmation of the fact that Real Madrid do not have the funds to finance Paul Pogba's transfer this summer. So far, the Spanish giants have already invested £270m in the transfer market, a bulk of which was spent on Eden Hazard alone. And as expected, Real's offer is miles away from United's valuation of Pogba.
The La Liga side are desperate to offload James Rodriguez, who is no longer a part of Zidane's plans. They value the Columbian at £46m, which meant that Real's offer was less than half of the £160m that United want for Pogba.
In between all this drama, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is quietly confident that Paul Pogba will remain at the club next season. There were some eyebrows raised over his absence in the squad for the last game of this pre-season against AC Milan, however, it is believed that Pogba had Solskjaer's permission to miss to game to recover from a back spasm. The midfielder is reportedly fit and raring to go now, and should be in the starting eleven against Chelsea in the first game of the season.
Also See : Durand Cup, Durand Cup Schedule, Calcutta Football League
#3 United no longer interested in signing Paulo Dybala
When Solskjaer spoke about United's transfer strategy at the start of the summer, he was clear that he only wanted to target players who were interested in the club's long term project. United had been cautious in the transfer market this summer, however, their plans were thrown out the window when Juventus came with an offer for Romelu Lukaku. The Serie A Champions presented the Red Devils a chance to sign Paul Dybala in a swap deal involving the Belgian. A deal was close to completion, with only Dybala's consent pending. However, United hit a roadblock in their negotiations with the Argentinean and now it seems that the deal is off.
Sky Sports reports that Manchester United have withdrawn their interest in Paulo Dybala. The Red Devils were of the opinion that the Argentinean wanted to stay at Turin and that he was contemplating a move to Old Trafford for the wrong reasons. United were unconvinced with Dybala's wage demands, and were also not impressed by excessive requests from his agent.
As such, United have distanced themselves from the deal and will reportedly look at other options for the No. 10 role.
#2 Inter Milan preparing fresh offer for Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is entering a make or break week of his career. The Belgian has been through a roller coaster ride this summer, but still finds his feet firmly planted at Old Trafford. Inter Milan had been interested in the United striker since the start of the transfer window and even had a £54m bid rejected by United. And then, Juventus arrived in the scene, taking center stage. It looked like Lukaku was on the way to Turin, however, that failed to materialize either, bringing the striker back to ground zero. And now, his primary suitors seem to be plotting another bid.
Sky Sports reports that Inter Milan are ready to make a new offer for the Belgian, however, it is highly likely that the bid will match United's valuation of the player. The Red Devils are expecting £79m for Lukaku, and the Serie A side are reluctant to spend that much money on one player. Antonio Conte, the Inter Milan coach, is still interested in signing the Belgian, so a deal cannot be ruled out yet. However, it is looking increasingly likely that Lukaku will be at United next season.
#1 Harry Maguire joins Manchester United
Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City. The Red Devils were courting the player all summer and even had an initial £70m bid rejected by the Foxes. However, United returned with an improved deal, rumoured to around £80m, which convinced Leicester City to agree to let the Englishman leave. It also made Harry Maguire the costliest defender in the world.
The Red Devils have been defensively poor last season and it is expected that the arrival of the Englishman will calm things at the back. Maguire himself appeared excited to join United:
I am delighted to have signed for this great club.
From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It’s clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started.
When Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.
United Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked a relieved man, having finally acquired his number one target of the summer. He said:
Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature. He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure - coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes - I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.
He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club.
