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Hello and welcome to the Manchester United transfer roundup for the day! After a disappointing window this summer, there isn’t much about the Red Devils in the rumour mill today. So we will get to them without further ado!
#5 Diego Godin
Manchester United’s want for a defender stretched them across Europe. At first, they looked home in England and targeted Toby Alderweireld. However, once complications regarding that deal arose, they changed their focus towards Italy, where they were linked with the likes of Milan Skriniar and Daniele Rugani.
When that endeavor didn’t turn out as planned, they turned their attention back towards England as a means to land Harry Maguire from Leicester City. After a superb World Cup with England, his price soared to record-breaking levels, which was perhaps too much for Manchester United to pay.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils set their sail towards Spain in order to end their search for a center back. However, even there they failed. First with Yerry Mina (more on his later) and then with a final-minute move for Diego Godin from Atletico Madrid.
And now, the player himself has opened his mouth about why he rejected the chance to join the Theatre of Dreams this summer. According to him, he didn’t join the Old Trafford outfit because of personal reasons.
“I have had offers, although I have decided to stay for personal reasons, and I am only thinking about the final," he said.
There reports of Godin using the Red Devils’ interest into making the Rojiblancos offer a new deal to him, which, the reports further added, the Uruguayan legend has already signed.
However, according to Godin, he hasn’t signed an extension with the Madrid outfit just yet and isn’t aware from where these rumours have surfaced.
“But I have not extended my contract. I saw that news come out, but I do not know where it came from.”
#4 Mina and Maguire
The Red Devils scoured the entire world for a defender that ticked all the boxes for them. However, they failed in their efforts as something or the other didn’t match with the requirements set by the people in charge at the Old Trafford.
In the case of Yerry Mina, The Times (via Metro) reveal that Manchester United couldn’t really agree with the fact that the Catalans wanted to include a buy-back clause for the Colombian. So despite the fact that Mourinho personally called to persuade him to join the Theatre of Dreams, the move never materialized.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph have revealed that the other Manchester United target – Harry Maguire – is set to sign a deal with Leicester City worth £75000-per-week after his incredible performances with England at the World Cup.
#3 Mourinho’s bemusement and Herrera admission
After helping Manchester United to a 2-1 win in their season opener against Leicester City, Paul Pogba stated to the media that he had some things to say which he couldn’t say because of the club fining him for it.
As a result, according to this report from Telegraph, Jose Mourinho was left bemused since Pogba himself hadn’t talked about anything to the Portuguese personally. The former Real Madrid manager is expected to address the issue with the World Cup winner.
Meanwhile, former Athletic Club midfielder Ander Herrera has suggested that he wishes to stay at Manchester United for a long time.
“I have been able to play more than 160 games right now, so what I have in my mind is to go for the 200 games and keep adding games for the club and for myself,” he said.
#2 Zidane and Mata
Zinedine Zidane was not only one of the game’s most decorated players but he is also among the most successful managers to have graced the pitch as he won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
After winning the third European title, however, he announced his decision to leave Real Madrid and is now a free agent. According to L’Equipe (via Football-Espana), in the meantime, Zidane might come back to management as he eyes a move to the Premier League with Manchester United his preferred destination.
Meanwhile, Juan Mata might just move back to where it all started for him as Valencia are looking to sign Manchester United midfielder next year for free after his contract with the Red Devils expires, according to The Sun.
#1 Pogba repercussions
Barcelona want Paul Pogba – this is a rumour that has been doing the rounds for a while. And we have more on this front today as the Red Devils might have to deal with the departure of their World Cup-winning midfielder.
According to Don Balon, Pogba’s arrival could see some departures at the Camp Nou and one of the highest profile players being linked with a move out – should a deal for Pogba happen – is Ivan Rakitic as he has revealed to his closest friends that he would consider leaving should the Frenchman arrive.
Meanwhile, Don Balon also report that Ousmane Dembele is considering his options to leave Barcelona and should he leave the club, then the Catalans are targeting Pogba as the preferred replacement, even though Pogba doesn’t play in the same position as Dembele.
Finally, the combined worth of Dembele’s (€400 million) and Rakitic’s (€125 million) release clauses is €525 million.
