NEMANJA WANTS MOVE
Nemanja Matic is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford to link up with former manager Jose Mourinho amid growing fears that Antonio Conte is trying to replace him. Mourinho is a known admirer of the defensive midfielder and the move might be perfect for both club and player. Matic will be cheaper than the likes of Eric Dier and Fabinho and could sit deep in midfield allowing Herrera and Pogba to have a bit more freedom on the pitch.
MOUR TAX TROUBLES
Ronaldo is not the only person currently embroiled in tax fraud allegations as Jose Mourinho has been accused of evading up to £2.9m during his time as Madrid boss. Madrid prosecutors on Tuesday filed a claim accusing the United manager on two counts of tax fraud in 2011 and 2012. Mourinho and his camp are yet to release a statement.
NO BIDS YET
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez revealed that no club has yet bid for Alvaro Morata or James Rodriguez while dismissing rumours of talks with PSG Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi regarding Ronaldo’s future. Perez said: “I have not talked to Nasser or anyone else [about Ronaldo], nor have we received offers for Morata or James. In principle, we do not want anyone to go, just as [Zinedine Zidane] said. Nobody has offered us anything. Not for James or anyone.” This is contrary to popular belief that United had a bid for Morata rejected.
NOT GOING ANYWHERE
Perez also all but confirmed that his side will not make a move for David De Gea this summer. He said: “We haven’t spoken to De Gea. Two years ago we had an issue and then the appropriate circumstances didn’t arise. The players are very fond of Keylor and also the coach. I like Keylor Navas. Why he wanted Gea before? Because Zinedine Zidane did not know him [Navas].”With De Gea previously reluctant to extend with United until Madrid officially rule out a transfer, he could sign a new deal at the club soon.
NO INTEREST IN SELLING
Torino revealed that they would prefer to keep hold of star man Andrea Belotti as the player continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League. United are in the market for a striker and with the Ronaldo rumours potentially distracting and hindering the club’s move for Alvaro Morata, Belotti could well start the season in the famous Red of Manchester. PSG and AC Milan are also interested parties.