ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Coming into this week, United were poised to complete the transfer of Antoine Griezmann by the end of the June but, this all that was turned upside down with the Court of Arbitration of Sports upholding Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban. In the coming hours, Griezmann hinted that he would continue his stay at Atletico. This decision was said to be conveyed to Mourinho directly by Griezmann over the phone. But United offered the Frenchman a now-or-never transfer ultimatum which the player rejected. As things stand, Griezmann will sign a new deal at Atletico that doubles his current deal. United’s might try and come back again next summer but it is highly unlikely as Mourinho is already looking at potential replacements.
IVAN PERISIC
The player grabbed the second most heat with regards to a transfer move to United. Inter Milan and United are locked in negotiations for the good part of two weeks with differences in the transfer fee said to be the bone of contention. Inter are holding out for a fee of £52m while United initially were willing to offer £36m. But both teams overcame their differences and reportedly landed on a fee of £45m. Personal terms between United and Perisic are believed to be agreed sans the minor details. An announcement of the transfer is expected anytime. It will probably come after Croatia’s International fixtures.
GARETH BALE
United have always admired Bale and even tried to sign him in a last ditch attempt when he first moved to Real Madrid. United and Bale were linked again last summer but nothing materialised. But after struggling with injuries and being singled out for whistles by the Bernabeu faithful, Bale might just accept a move back to England. Then, early in the week, news of Bale wanting out if he was benched for the Final in Cardiff (his hometown) emerged. Isco was in incredible form in his absence and might start ahead of the Welshman. Real Madrid are also targeting a move for Eden Hazard or Kylian Mbappe and could agree to a sale in order to free up funds for their targets.
DAVID DE GEA
Real Madrid cooled their interest in David de Gea given Keylor Navas’ impressive form towards the end of the campaign and United’s hefty asking price. Real were adamant in their quest to replace Iker Casillas but were stonewalled by United. Rumors of a £60m bid being rejected were found to be false as no bid was forwarded. United were even rumored to offer De Gea a new improved contract.
ROMELU LUKAKU
Manchester United were increasingly linked with Romelu Lukaku after losing out on Antoine Griezmann. United and Chelsea are set to enter a bidding war unless Chelsea are successful in their bid for Alvaro Morata. A fee in the range of £80-90 has been mooted and Lukaku has rejected a new deal at the Goodison. Lukaku has not ruled out a summer transfer despite having three years left on his current deal.