UNITED CONTACTED
Real Madrid reportedly initiated contact with Manchester United and Chelsea and offered Gareth Bale to both teams. Madrid are looking to sell Bale and both Zidane and Perez agreed to offload the Welshman. While United are perennially linked with Bale, a move never materialised. But with Madrid willing to sell this summer to free up funds for the transfer of Kylian Mbappe, a £90m English record transfer may be on the cards. Mourinho’s wish to add a winger this summer may help facilitate the move.
MOURINHO IMPRESSED WITH SHAW
Jose Mourinho’s reluctance to play Luke Shaw at the left-back position often left fans and pundits perplexed given the talent that Shaw possesses. He was often singled out for public criticism with Mourinho questioning the Englishman’s attitude, commitment and fitness levels. Despite all this, Shaw always said he would fight for his place in Jose’s squad. Now, Shaw has backed up his words with action as steps like returning to training early and stepping up the recovery has impressed Jose. Mourinho now considers Shaw one of the favourites to start at the left-back slot once he returns from injury. Shaw is on course for a return in September.
MATA TO ROMA?
The fact that AS Roma are in the market for a playmaker is no secret. All summer they have tried to sign Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez but the player’s wish to stay in England has stalled the move. After the failure to land their top target, Roma are looking to sign United’s Juan Mata. Though a move for one of the most important players of the United squad is a non-starter. Mata has a year left on his current deal but the cub has the option to trigger an extension for another year.
LOAN MOVES
Manchester United duo of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are reportedly set to depart the club on loan in the coming days. While Watford and Crystal Palace are in the fray for the services of Fosu-Mensah, Leeds are front runners to sign Borthwick-Jackson on a temporary deal. More on this in coming bulletins.
TINDER SWIPES RIGHT
After rumours of United and Tinder linking up for a multi-million pound deal for the sponsor slot on the shirt sleeves, the match making app confirmed that they are exploring the possibility of linking up with United. A deal is expected to be trashed out before the start of the Premier League campaign, which starts in just over a week’s time.
PERISIC HUNT OVER?
Manchester United will almost certainly fail to land Ivan Perisic this summer. With Inter and United yet to agree upon a fee, the Italian club has started contract negotiations with the Croat. Inter’s Sporting Director Piero Ausilio has said: “I don’t understand where some of these stories come from. Candreva has never been on the market and we have absolutely no intention of selling him. The same goes for Perisic, who is an important player and we are currently discussing a new contract with him.”