After luring Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James to Old Trafford last month, Manchester United’s transfer business has stagnated in the last few weeks. There have been rumours linking players with a move to United but there haven’t been any substantial developments in any of those stories.
Despite having a positive pre-season campaign thus far, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to embellish his current squad to bridge the gap between themselves and the Premier Leaguepacesetters- Liverpool and Manchester City.
With Premier League transfer deadline less than weeks away, the recent rumour mill suggests that Manchester United have upped their ante in the market. On this note, let us take a look at three players who could arrive at Old Trafford before the window shuts on August 8.
#3 Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has dominated the headlines this summer after garnering interest from both Manchester clubs. Recently, United have found themselves alone in the race to sign the centre-back due to Leicester City’s exorbitant asking price.
The Foxes have remained adamant that Maguire won’t be allowed to leave the club in less than £80 million. Given Solskjaer’s desperation to bolster his porous defence, Ed Woodward made a £70 million bid a few weeks ago. Although, Leicester’s steadfast approach has resulted in an impasse between the clubs.
However, Ole has expressed an urgent need of a central defender to his bosses after Eric Bailly suffered a knee injury. It seems a matter of time before the Red Devils make a fresh approach to sign the 26-year-old from Leicester City.
In order to match Foxes’ asking price, United were prepared to pay an upfront fee of £70m and an extra £10m in performance-related add-ons. However, Leicester have remained steadfast in recouping the total amount through a single payment.
Man United were reluctant to match Leicester’s valuation, however, the recent turn of events could compel the Red Devils to pay £80m for Harry Maguire.
#2 Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese playmaker is probably the most talked-about players who are intensely linked with a move to Man United. Bruno Fernandes has been Solskjaer’s long-term target and the Norwegian has sent scouts towards the end of last season to track Sporting skipper’s progress.
It was believed that Manchester United submitted a bid in the region of 55 million Euros to Sporting Lisbon. But, the Portuguese giants value the 24-year-old around 70 million-mark. Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, has travelled to the UK multiple times to negotiate transfer terms with Red Devils’ representatives.
However, a few days ago, reports suggested that Bruno Fernandes is not United’s priority at the moment. The speculation was believed to be driven from Portugal in order to enhance Bruno’s market-value.
Contrary to recent developments, stories emerging from Italy suggests that Bruno Fernandes is set to arrive in England to complete his medical for Man United. If recent rumours are to be trusted, Bruno Fernandes could complete his long-awaited switch to Old Trafford.
#1 Paulo Dybala
Romelu Lukaku‘s intention of leaving Manchester United is of no surprise, with Inter Milan deemed as the Belgian’s most likely destination. Despite financial constraints, the Nerazzurri are trying hard to match Red Devils’ £79m valuation of the striker.
Internazionale have tried various ways to prise Lukaku away from Old Trafford this summer, having offered loan offers, paying in instalments, or an upfront fee of £63m. But, United have remained steadfast in recouping at least £75m they paid to Everton for Lukaku’s signature. Such financial constraints have resulted in a logjam in talks between the parties.
Juventus have taken advantage of this situation, entering the race to sign Romelu Lukaku. According to reports, the Italian champions have pushed slightly ahead of Inter Milan by offering Paulo Dybala in the exchange deal.
Ole is said to be Dybala’s long-term admirer and could be eager to have the Argentine at Old Trafford. Romelu is not in Solskjaer’s plan and a player-swap could benefit both the parties.
It is still to be seen whether Dybala is keen on a move to Manchester United. Given his limited opportunities at Juventus since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo could be interested to ply his trade elsewhere next season, making his move to United highly likely.
[Sportskeeda]
