The week saw United move closer to signing a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Mourinho also seemed to inch closer to getting a natural partner for Eric Bailly in defense while news of a Rooney u-turn emerged.
ALVARO MORATA
We entered this week disappointed on missing out on Antoine Griezmann but we end it on the high of getting closer to signing Alvaro Morata. The week started with Mourinho identifying Morata as his top summer target. United entered negotiations and made a bid of £52m. It was rejected by Madrid but United returned with an improved bid of £60m. This too was rejected by Madrid who were holding out for a fee closer to £80m. While negotiations with Real Madrid continue, Morata’s agent said: “Alvaro is a player who wants to play a more important role. He wants to play more. Which is normal for an attacker who has scored 19 goals. It is too little. I do not know [if he will stay at Madrid]. This has been brilliant for Real Madrid who have won many titles. The player will take a clear and definitive decision in the coming days. I have not yet met with the representatives from Real Madrid.”
The player also fanned the flames by hinting that he would be teammates with James Rodriguez in the 17-18 campaign with both players heavily linked with a move from Madrid to Manchester.
Morata was reported to be due in Manchester for a medical on Monday with a fee close to being agreed upon by the two clubs.
VICTOR LINDELOF
While making inroads in the pursuit of Alvaro Morata, Manchester United were also locked in negotiations with Benfica over a move for Swedish defender Victor Lindelof. United have been after Lindelof since at least January and are believed to be as close to a move for the 22-year-old as they have ever been. Mourinho was questioned about his side’s interest in the player but refused to comment on another cub’s player. United fans will be hoping that won’t be the case for long. Lindelof himself was asked about a move. The player confirmed that clubs were interested in him while maintaining that he will only think about his future after his international commitments with Sweden.
Edging towards to the weekend, United and Benfica were inching closer to a fee. Reports in both Spain and England suggested that Lindelof will be in Manchester for a medical on Wednesday with the move being announced within a day of the formalities being completed.
WAYNE ROONEY
With United releasing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the club as of now appear to be short on firepower up front, prompting Rooney to have a rethink on his future. The skipper performed a complete u-turn and informed the club that he would stay should United fail to get their transfer targets.
DAVID DE GEA
Real Madrid all but confirmed that they would not make a move for David De Gea this transfer window. Real Madrid apparently ended their pursuit last week but the Board at the Club still wanted to get the Spanish No.1. Manager Zinedine Zidane managed to convince the Board to change their stance and trust Costa Rican shot stopper, Keylor Navas. Spanish outlet Marca, widely considered to be Real’s mouthpiece confirmed the same in a report.
ANDREA BELOTTI
Manchester United have opened negotiations with Torino for a £70m transfer for striker Andrea Belotti. Belotti is a fallback option should a last minute development scupper the move for Alvaro Morata.