Rumours: Bakayoko, Matic, Smalling & More!

After securing two new players for the upcoming campaign, Mourinho revealed that he wants at least two more players to ensure his side can compete at the highest level. Despite already spending a huge £106m pounds on two players already, Jose has a war kitty of around £100m still left to spend. Here are the players who have been linked to United over the past week and those who are set to leave the club.

TIEMOUNE BAKAYOKO

After snatching Romelu Lukaku from under the noses of Champions Chelsea, United looked to secure the services of another player heavily courted by Antonio Conte’s side. Bakayoko has probably had three medicals at Chelsea over the past month if reports are to be believed. But this week saw major developments in this transfer saga.

United were prepared to outbid Chelsea to secure the services of the Frenchman and even promised Monaco a better deal than Chelsea’s to sign him. Bakayoko, however, preferred a move to Chelsea and was seen in London having dinner with future Chelsea teammates David Luiz and Willian. He later revealed that he was in Chelsea’s Cobham base having his fourth medical of the summer. Though United have lost out on securing Bakayoko’s services, his arrival at Chelsea increases United’s chances of signing Nemanja Matic.

NEMANJA MATIC

Another United-Chelsea battle but this time Chelsea hold all the cards. While the Blues will try their best to sell Matic to any club other than Manchester United, they may find it difficult to refuse United’s package and Matic’s wishes. Matic desperately wants a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho. United have to beat Inter Milan in order to secure Matic’s signature but it is no secret that Chelsea prefer selling a player of Matic’s caliber and importance to Inter rather than United. Matic was reportedly training alone and was left out Chelsea’s pre-season Tour party to China as he looks to force through a move to Old Trafford.

Bakayoko’s arrival is set to push Matic closer to Chelsea’s revolving door.

IVAN PERISIC

Another player heavily linked to United this transfer window has been Ivan Perisic. Like in Morata’s case, teams are asking for more and more money whenever United come calling, making it difficult to get the men Mourinho wants. Inter are demanding as much as £50m for Perisic while United are reluctant to pay above £40m-45m for a player aged 28. A number of high ranking Inter officials went on record to shoot down the Perisic links, but speculation refuses to go away. Inter might be persuaded to sell should they get Matteo Darmian or Anthony Martial. Any move for the latter is expected to be a loan though the chances of Martial leaving are minimal.

CHRIS SMALLING

The axe is set to fall on Chris Smalling’s time at United, joining the likes of Adnan Januzaj and others in leaving United. Mourinho is happy with his depth in central defense and is willing to let the 27-year-old join Arsenal or Tottenham. West Brom was another club in linked with Smalling. Despite being a part of the squad in Tour, United are listening to offers for Smalling.