ROONEY TO LEAVE
Manchester United captain and club legend Wayne Rooney is set to complete a transfer to boyhood club, Everton. Rooney was reportedly withdrawn from the Tour 2017 squad as reports of a deal being reached emerged. Rooney and Everton reportedly agreed upon a two-year £250k-a-week deal. He has been promised first-team football by Koeman and was told by Jose that he was free to leave. Should the move be completed it will be end of an era at Old Trafford.
SMALLING MEETING SCHEDULED
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will have a one-on-one meeting with Chris Smalling once the player returns for preseason. Smalling is looking for assurances on his first-team chances as he wants to make the England squad for Russia in 2018. Smalling’s first-team is widely expected to decrease because of United signing Victor Lindelof. Mourinho is expected to sell Smalling this summer and might make his intentions clear in the meeting.
Smalling has been linked with West Brom, Tottenham and Arsenal this summer.
FORCING A MOVE THORUGH
After hearing of Fiorentina’s stance on selling him, Federico Bernardeschi is looking to force through a move to a ‘bigger club’. He reportedly refused to agree to a new contract offer by the club as exit rumours continue to get louder. United and Chelsea have both been linked with the 23-year-old winger. Bernardeschi scored an impressive 13 goals in 32 games last season and became a pivotal member of the Fiorentina setup.
BACK FOR IVAN
United reportedly made a bid for Ivan Perisic yesterday. The offer, believed to be in the region of £40m was rejected by Inter as they continue to play hardball with United. The club have been chasing Inter for most of the summer and Mourinho desperately wants to add width, flair and creativity to a United side that often looked predictable last campaign. Inter are reportedly looking at replacements. The Italian side were linked with Fiorentina’s Borja Valero.
MORATA BID REJECTED
Manchester United reportedly had a £70m bid for Alvaro Morata rejected last night. United increased their offer but Real continue to be difficult in negotiations. Madrid are looking for £10m more. United ceding to Madrid’s demand will push the transfer fee up to £80m. Morata was hoping Real stand down after receiving ‘assurances’ in meetings with Madrid officials.
PRODIGY TARGETTED
United are reportedly looking to sign Bolton prodigy Max Broughton for a fee believed to be in the range of £1m. United, however, are not the only teams chasing the England Youth International as Everton, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all expressed interest in the 16-year-old. But United are ahead of the other clubs if reports are to be believed. United continue to overhaul the Academy under Nicky Butt’s guidance.