Manchester United very close to £80m deal for Harry Maguire, Solskjaer wants £70m Nicolas Pepe deal to be completed quickly, and more Manchester United Transfer News: July 22, 2019

Hello and welcome to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 22nd July 2019. We bring you the top transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top picks for the day.

Also Read: Manchester United News and Rumours: July 19, 2019

#5 Manchester United very close to £80m deal for Harry Maguire

United and Leicester City have reportedly agreed a deal for the transfer of Harry Maguire

Manchester United have been defensively sound so far in pre-season. The Red Devils are yet to concede a goal, having already won all of their three games. However, there is no denying the fact that a new center-back is a priority for the Premier League giants.

The Red Devils have been on the search for a new center-back and after initial hurdles, that search seems to have ended on Leicester City's Harry Maguire. United have been courting him for quite some time now and already had a £70m bid for him rejected by the Foxes. Leicester City are holding out for a world record fee that would eclipse the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.

However, United were initially reluctant to part with such a huge amount of money. But it now seems that the Red Devils have finally surrendered to Leicester City's demands.

The Independent reports that Manchester United are very close to agreeing an £80m deal with Leicester City for the transfer of Maguire. The deal will make the Englishman the costliest defender in the world. United will be paying £70m up front, while an additional £10m will be paid in performance-related bonuses.

It is reported that Maguire is himself very keen to make the move to Old Trafford and he had informed Leicester City of his desire last week. Leicester City were clear that if their valuation was met, they would not stand in the way of the Englishman.

The belief around Old Trafford is that the 26-year-old is the ideal partner to Victor Lindelof and together, those two could form the base of a rock-solid defensive core at United that could last years. The Swedish International was arguably one of the best defenders in the league and could yet get better with a world-class partner alongside him.

#4 Solskjaer wants £70m Nicolas Pepe deal to be completed quickly

Solskjaer has asked United to acquire the services of Nicolas PÃ©pÃ© — Solskjaer has asked United to acquire the services of Nicolas Pépé

Manchester United's summer business has hit a roadblock since the transfer of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. And if a recent report is to be believed, despite being linked to defenders and midfielders, Solskjaer still wants to add another attacking player to his squad this summer.

The Times reports that the Norwegian has urged United to complete a deal for Lille star Nicolas Pepe, who has attracted attention around Europe after a fantastic season in the Ligue 1. The Ivorian created a stir by scoring 22 goals last season for Lille and he is certainly a player who fits Solskjaer's requirements. The 24-year-old is lightning fast and is extremely skillful on the ball. However, pricing him away from the French side will not be easy.

Lille reportedly want £70m for their star man and United also face quite a competition for his signature. However, the Red Devils are said to be in advanced talks with the Ligue 1 side, and a deal could still be possible.

#3 United reject £54m bid from Inter Milan for Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku's future is far from sorted

The Romelu Lukaku saga has shown no signs of slowing down. The Belgian has been a glaring omission in United's pre-season and his absence has been an indication of his imminent departure from Old Trafford. Inter Milan is his most likely destination, with Antonio Conte identifying Lukaku as his prime target this summer. However, a deal has failed to take place because both clubs are still a long way from agreeing a price for Lukaku.

The Guardian reports that Manchester United have rejected another bid from Inter Milan worth £54 million, and have asked the Serie A side to come back with a significantly improved offer.

Another offer could be on the cards soon, as Inter are mulling over their next move. Their manager has confirmed the club's interest in the Belgian, in his post-match conference.

As I said yesterday, Lukaku is a player I like. I like him because I consider him a player that could improve our team. In one side there is my hope, my will. In the other side we’ll see what we find with the club.

#2 Maurizio Sarri unsure about Paul Pogba's move to Juventus

Maurizio Sarri is unsure if Juventus are still trying to sign United

Paul Pogba's open declaration of his desire to leave Old Trafford had been the talk of the town a couple of weeks ago, but those rumours have all but died down right now. The Frenchman himself has shown to the world that he is indispensable at United and there have been no signs of a desire to leave.

Real Madrid and Juventus were the front runners for his signature. However, a move has looked increasingly difficult with each passing day.

Sky Sports now reports that new Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri is unsure if the Serie A champions will still try to coax Pogba away from Old Trafford. When asked about the chances of Pogba joining Juventus, this is what Sarri had to say -

I like very much the player but I don't know the situation. I am not the technical director.

Solskjaer has been using Pogba in a slightly deeper role in pre-season and the Frenchman has adapted excellently so far. The Norwegian will be increasingly confident of holding on to his prized asset beyond the summer.

#1 David de Gea wants United captaincy after agreeing 6-year deal worth £117m

David de Gea looks set to stay at United and would like to become their next Skipper as well

Here's a bit of news that would delight United fans - David de Gea was stalling on a new contract for quite some time now and there were a lot of speculations regarding his future. Thankfully for the United fans though, de Gea looks set to stay at the club.

The Telegraph reports that the Spaniard has agreed a new 6-year deal worth £117m, which would see him become the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world. And as Solskjaer decides on his next captain, it seems that the Spaniard would like the armband as well for the upcoming season. The Spaniard expressed his desire to become the United Skipper, saying