United Courting Courtois, £130m for Mbappe and United chase USA teen sensation

LEG BRACES FOR SMALLIMBS

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was spotted out and about in Manchester wearing a protective brace on his right knee. The duration Smalling will spend on the sidelines is as of yet unknown but it is expected that he will miss at least 2-3 weeks. His absence is compounded by Phil Jones’ injury of his own and United only have 3 fit and available centre-backs as the ‘troublesome’ April looms. Smalling is definitely out of the West Brom and Everton games.

COURTING COURTOIS

Real Madrid are targeting Thibaut Courtois over Manchester United’s David De Gea. This is the latest twist to the movie scriptesque chase for a world class goal keeper by Real Madrid. Courtois like De Gea made a name for himself at cross-town rivals Atletico and would take no time settling in Madrid. Up until now, it seemed that De Gea would swap Manchester for Madrid but it now seems that Courtois will make the switch to the Spanish Capital.

NICKING HIM

The Daily Mail reckons that United are on the verge of signing 15-year-old American sensation Will Vint after a trial at Carrington last month. He previously tried out at Everton and Fulham. Will is the son of Everton’s Academy Director Peter Vint and he is considered to be the future of American football (the national team, not the sport). United will be fending off competition from other top flight clubs. He will be a vital addition to Nicky Butt’s squad and would do well under him.

GOODBYE SAM?

Aston Villa are looking to make the loan signing of United keeper Sam Johnstone permanent in the summer. He has been performing very well and former United captain and defensive wall Steve Bruce will be looking to keep him at Villa Park. Bruce has often taken several United players on loan and signed a few of them too. Wes Brown and John O’Shea are the high-profile examples.

ON HIS TOES

Manchester United defender Phil Jones is set for tests on his injured toe this week. There is a suspicion that the toe might be broken. Confirmation of the same would be a body blow for United who are about to embark on a run of 9 games in April. The absence of arguably United’s best defender this season would hurt.

PRICE TAG

Monaco has reportedly put an absurd £135m price tag on Kylian Mbappe. The French teenager has been a revelation this season and seems set for a summer move to one of the biggies. The price tag will ward off a few clubs but clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona will be highly favoured to sign him now. The three clubs are the only clubs currently who can cough put the said sum for a 19-year-old.