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Hello and welcome back to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 24 May 2019. We are back with the top transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top five picks for today.
Also Read: Manchester United Transfer News: May 23, 2019
#5 Solskjaer targets 4 signings by 1st of July
According to the Metro, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aiming to complete 4 signings by the end of June, so that the new players have ample time to adjust to their new surroundings and be a part of the Preseason tour. The United manager has passed the message to Ed Woodward as well and has requested the United executive vice-chairman to provide him the 4 shortlisted players by that time.
The Norwegian's 4 targets might not turn too many heads, because he seems to be targeting young players from the championship as well as lower clubs of the Premier League. Apart from Daniel James of Swansea City and Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United, Solskjaer also has his eyes on versatile defender Ben Godfrey of Norwich City and young defender Nathan Collins of Stoke City, both of whom impressed in the Championship last season.
Solskjaer is looking at a massive squad overhaul at the club but has hinted at spending money wisely on the right players. He recently said in an interview published in the club's official website:
In my view, the best players have always been the best people, so you have to have that value system, a certain kind of attitude about you to make a Man United player.
‘But you’ve got to have the quality too. Our fans want to see exciting players, they want to get off their seats, they want to see defenders defend…
You have to have a work ethic. So we’re scouting the market trying to find the right ones.
Only time will tell if these four youngsters will come true for Solskjaer and Manchester United. However, it is clear that the Norwegian wants to the rebuilding process at Old Trafford to have a big focus on youth and even with the inherent risk of the move, it is certainly a decision well in line with United's culture.
#4 United considering move for £25m World Class Right Back
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have set their eyes on PSG's Belgian right back Thomas Meunier as an alternative to Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka. We revealed yesterday that Crystal Palace had increased the asking price for their star right back to £70m in a bid to fend off United's interest. It now seems that the Red Devils are reluctant to pay an amount close to the sum Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.
Instead, Solskjaer has turned his attention to Thomas Meunier, the Belgian who has been impressive both for club and country of late. We reported on the Manchester United Transfer News from 21st May, that the Belgian was open to a move to United if the possibility arrived. It now seems that United are considering that option and with just a year left on Meunier's contract, a move could suit all parties concerned.
The Belgian had 27 appearances for PSG this season and registered 4 goals and 4 assists. The 27-year-old will be a fantastic addition to the United side, if the Red Devils can complete the move.
#3 United put off by the price of Everton midfielder
The Liverpool Echo reports that Manchester United were interested in Everton midfield Idrissa Gueye, but have been deterred by the asking price of the Senegalese. It is understood that United considered him an ideal replacement for the departing Ander Herrera in the midfield, and were genuine admirers of the player. However, Everton value Gueye at more than £35m, an amount that the Red Devils are unwilling to pay for a 29-year-old.
The Senegalese was subject to two failed attempts from PSG to bring him to Ligue 1 in January of this year, with Everton rejecting both their £21.5m initial bid and the £26m revised bid on deadline day. With the Toffees refusing to budge from their asking price, United are reportedly cooling their interest on the Senegalese.
Gueye had 35 appearances for Everton this season and was quite impressive in the middle of the park. Though he does have all the attributes to replace Herrera, it looks unlikely that the Senegalese will be brought to Old Trafford by Solskjaer.
#2 Leicester City set price for United's target
According to the Metro, Leicester City have set a £90m price for Star defender Harry Maguire, amid interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City. Last season, Mourinho had initially identified the Englishman as the perfect fit for his defense. However, Leicester City's asking price of £75m deterred Manchester United, who were reluctant to pay such an astronomical amount for the defender. It soon looked like a big mistake though, as United leaked in a record number of goals in the season.
As such, Solskjaer is desperate for a central defender this season, and Maguire certainly fits the bill. However, City are also on the lookout of a new defender, following the departure of Kompany and Guardiola reportedly has his eyes on Maguire too. Leicester City, though, are desperate to hold on to their prized possession and have stamped an even higher price on the defender this time.
The fact that the Foxes are under no pressure to sell means that unless either of City or United break the respective club transfer record, a deal is highly unlikely. However, keeping in mind the deplorable condition of United's backline, Solskjaer might be tempted to spend a bulk of his transfer kitty on Harry Maguire.
#1 United readying sensational deal for £108m Superstar Striker
The Independent reveals the sensational news that Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Athletico Madrid Superstar and world cup winner Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman only signed a new deal last summer but has declared his intentions to leave the LaLiga side via social media last week. He was reportedly on his way to Barcelona, and it was also widely reported that the Catalans would meet his £108m release clause.
However, the La Liga Champions apparently had a change of heart and believe that the amount would be better invested on other transfers. This has paved the way for United, who are known admirers of the Frenchman.
Solskjaer will be looking for a new striker with Lukaku destined to leave in the summer and Griezmann's versatility could be an added bonus. The Frenchman has mostly played through the center, but is equally comfortable on the right side, which has been United's bane in recent time.
With neither of City, Real Madrid, Juventus or PSG interested, United have the opportunity to make progress in the race themselves. The Red Devils could also appeal to Griezmann because of the presence of Paul Pogba, although the Frenchman's future is also in doubt. However, the common notion right now is that United are his most likely destination in the summer if they are willing to pay the big money.
