EXITS CONFIRMED
Manchester United confirmed the exits of four players after their contracts expired. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Josh Harrop, Kayne Diedrick-Roberts and Fasutin Makela are no longer on United’s payroll after their contracts expired on June 30th. While Ibrahimovic’s case is no longer a United player, he is expected to continue his road to recovery at United’s training complex. He may yet end up being a United player after a successful return to the pitch but at present his profile has been removed from United’s site and the No.9 jersey remains ‘vacant’.
BID REJECTED
Monaco have rejected a bid from PSG for midfielder Fabinho. The bid, rumored to be around £40m was rejected by Monaco instinctively. While United may get him at a similar price, PSG may have to pay something close to £50-55m for their man. Both Monaco and Fabinho prefer moves to United but they will be left with no choice but accept PSG’s improved bid should it come. The onus is now on Ed Woodward and United to swoop in and get the Brazilian quickly.
MATIC LEFT OUT
Chelsea released their new Nike kits for the upcoming season and players like Eden Hazard, David Luiz and even Alex Hunter modelled it. But Nemanja Matic, arguably one of Chelsea’s most important players was nowhere to be seen. The decision to keep Matic out of the kit release is being seen as confirmation that the player is on the verge of completing a move to Old Trafford.
TWO NEW STRIKERS
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants his club to sign Everton’s Romelu Lukaku after completing the move for Alvaro Morata. Mourinho is still keen on reuniting with the Belgian who plundered 25 goals in the Premier League last season. Chelsea are favorites to sign the Evertonian but a world record fee might be needed. But the Champions have been reluctant to spend that amount on money for a former player of theirs. United may end up with both Morata and Lukaku forming one of Europe’s deadliest strike forces.
DON’T CALL SAUL
Manchester United need not bother inquiring about a move for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez after the youngster signed a NINE year deal at the Spanish Capital keeping him there until 2026. United were poised to contact Atletico about a move for the Euro topscorer but the new contract put paid to that.
PSG INQUIRE ABOUT UNITED TARGET. AGAIN
Paris Saint-Germain are intent on spoiling United’s transfer plans. After targeting Monaco’s Fabinho they have turned their attention to Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez. PSG have reportedly opened talks with regards to a move for the Colombian International. United were linked with a £70m for Rodriguez but Goal now claim that PSG are ‘ahead’ of United in the race for Rodriguez’s signature. The player rejected a bid from AC Milan earlier and has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, but things could be different as Paris offer Champions League football unlike AC Milan.