Two Real Madrid stars on their way as Tottenham laugh at United

LEVY’S PRICE

Tottenham Hotspur laughed off United’s interest in Harry Kane and said it would take close to £200m to sell their star man. United have been linked with Kane for the past couple of days. The United board are aware of Tottenham’s valuation and are planning their next move. United and Mourinho are in the market for a new striker after losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury and later releasing him.

TAXING

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho faces a six-year sentence and a shocking £17m fine for his alleged tax evasion. While Mourinho’s camp has rejected notions of contact with the Spanish authorities, it is unlikely that he will serve time behind bars due to Spanish laws. Lionel Messi was handed a 21-month sentence but the term was served as probation.

NEXT WEEK?

Alvaro Morata is expected to complete his transfer to United this week. Morata has long been close to a move to Old Trafford. Spanish outlet Marca has revealed that it is just a matter of days before the transfer becomes official. Morata is Mourinho’s primary summer target after the injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the failed pursuit of Antoine Griezmann. Morata has also rejected Chelsea and Conte’s advances to join Mourinho at United.

PERSONAL TERMS AGREED

Manchester United and James Rodriguez have reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a switch to Old Trafford. Rodriguez has held talks with Bernabeu officials and was told that he was free to leave. United are favourites and the preferred destination of the player. Rodriguez rejected AC Milan and Chelsea transfers for a United move. The only sticking point is that United are reluctant to part with £61m for the Colombian.

MATIC MOVE CLOSE

Nemanja Matic will complete a £40m move to United from Chelsea by the end of the week. United are confident of clinching the move and Matic is also set to link up with Jose Mourinho once again. Conte is open to the idea of selling his midfield linchpin should his club complete the signing of Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko.

PERISIC MOVE DROPPED

Manchester United are said to have dropped plans to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan. The club will pursue other targets after Inter Milan refused to bring their valuation down from around £50m. United will focus their attention on bringing James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.

RAINY MANCHESTER

Manchester United missed out on signing Ronaldinho because the transfer talks were scheduled to be held on a day that turned out be rainy. Former United player Quinton Fortune said: “I think we got it wrong by bringing Ronaldinho in at the wrong time of year as it was raining that day he arrived at Manchester Airport. Maybe it was summer anyway but, if we’d have timed it with the right day, it could have been a different story. It would have been absolutely amazing to have him here. He’s one of the greatest players ever to play football and entertained with his skill, fun and joy.”