Manchester United transfer roundup: United want Madrid duo worth €700 million and are willing to swap €80 million star and more – July 23, 2018

Manchester United v San Jose Earthquakes
He wants Madrid duo

Hello and welcome to the Manchester United transfer roundup for the day! While not many players have been linked with a move in or out of the club, there are quite a few stories surrounding the Red Devils today.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!


#5 Kovacic and Boateng

Matteo Kovacic had previously revealed his desire to leave Real Madrid due to not being able to stamp his place in the first team at the Bernabeu. During the World Cup, it was Marca who revealed this news and now they come up with another report with a further update.

The Spanish outlet claim that Kovacic has spoken to Julen Lopetegui and has expressed his firm desire to leave the club this summer in order to become a first-choice member for another team.

The meeting took place at Valdebas – Madrid’s training ground – where the Croat made his desire clear to the manager.

Earlier on June 23, Kovacic revealed to Marca that he wants to leave because it is difficult to be a starter at the club and he wants to play more since not playing makes him unhappy.

"I would like to play more at Madrid because I love football and being on the pitch," he told MARCA at that point.

"I know that at Madrid it's difficult to be a starter, especially because I arrived very young.

"I understand the situation but that's why I think it's best for me to go to another club where I will have the chance to play regularly as a starter.

"It's an opportunity that I think I can have and I want it now."

"When I don't play of course I'm not happy.

"I've enjoyed these three years in Madrid hugely, with incredible teammates, winning trophies... But I haven't been completely happy because my contribution to all of this has not been the biggest and it's something I want to change."

Meanwhile, according to a report from Kicker, Manchester United have made an inquiry to Bayern Munich about the possibility of signing a Jerome Boateng from the Bavarians in this summer transfer window.

#4 Willian

2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals: Brazil 1 - 2 Belgium
Willian is much coveted

Another day, another report on Willian being coveted by two of the biggest clubs in the world. While he is a good player, what both Barcelona and Manchester United see in him to pay over the odds is anyone’s guess.

According to Daily Mail, Chelsea are set to discuss with Barcelona over a potential move for Willian worth around £65 million. The London club intends to use the money from his transfer to fund Chelsea’s summer spending.

Apparently, Chelsea aren’t willing to sell to rivals Manchester United – despite knowing of their interest – and would prefer it if he plays abroad.

#3 Harry Maguire

Sweden v England: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
World Cup star for England

Just a day after being linked with Manchester United, Leicester defender Harry Maguire has responded to rumours of joining the Red Devils. The Englishman stated that the desire of every player is to play at the top level when asked about whether he wants to move to the Old Trafford.

“Every player wants to play at the highest level. I’ve just come back from playing at a World Cup, where I really enjoyed the high pressure of the games. It was something that I really thrived off," he said.

“Leicester have been unbelievable to me and I’m really happy there but I’m also an ambitious player and everyone wants to play at the top.”

#2 Anthony Martial

Manchester United v San Jose Earthquakes
Martial could be sold

In the case of Willian, Chelsea didn’t want to sell to direct rivals. In this case, the same has happened as Manchester United don’t want to sell him to Chelsea and would rather let him go to Bayern Munich.

According to Express, Jose Mourinho has surrendered to Anthony Martial’s desire to leave the club. As a result, Manchester United are now willing to sell the Frenchman to Bayern Munich rather than letting him go to rivals, Chelsea.

United will hold out £60 million for the Frenchman and will only let him go on their terms.

#1 Real Madrid stars

UEFA Champions League'Real Madrid v SSC Napoli'
Kroos and Varane wanted

Jose Mourinho’s want for Real Madrid players has always been well-protracted by Spanish media. And now, Don Balon are at it again as they claim that the former Real Madrid manager has two Madrid players on his radar.

Also read: Real Madrid name six-man shortlist to replace Karim Benzema

And they are Raphael Varane and Toni Kroos. The Frenchman has a €200 million while the German has a €500 million release clause as Jose Mourinho is ready to use a card to bring one of the two to the Old Trafford.

Also read: Mesut Ozil Hasn't 'Retired' But Is He to Blame or the German FA & Media?

Anthony Martial. Mourinho wants to use him as a swap card to bring one of the two as Martial’s market value – according to the report – is €80 million.

Also read: 3 Chelsea players who impressed against Perth Glory

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Edited by Kishan Prasad