Manchester United have mapped out their summer transfer priorities while more big clubs circle Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who is out of contract in the summer.
United targets and squad plans
– Reports say United want to make four summer signings, prioritizing two midfielders to replace the likely departure of Casemiro. Names linked include Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. They are also considering a left-footed centre-back if Harry Maguire leaves and may sign a backup goalkeeper if Altay Bayindir departs.
– Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a specific target but United may face competition: Bayern Munich and Manchester City have both been linked with the 23-year-old England international, who has impressed despite Forest’s struggles.
Goretzka race
– Leon Goretzka, available on a free transfer this summer, has drawn interest from several European heavyweights. Earlier links included AC Milan, Inter, and Arsenal; La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Juventus now rank him top of their list. Juve have tried twice before to sign the 31-year-old Germany international and are preparing a renewed push under Luciano Spalletti.
Other confirmed/in-progress moves
– Barcelona are expected to try to keep João Cancelo permanently if they can sign him on a free; the full-back is currently on loan from Al Hilal and would reportedly accept a pay cut to stay at Barça.
– Juventus are increasingly confident of signing AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini on a free transfer when his contract expires; Pellegrini’s €4m salary and desire to play a central role make Juventus an appealing destination.
Expert context (Mark Ogden)
– INEOS are attempting to remedy the consequences of several expensive, ineffective transfer windows. United still owe £422m in transfer payments, with £238m due by the end of next season.
– Many recent big signings are unlikely to recoup their fees, including Rasmus Højlund (£64m), Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m), Manuel Ugarte (£50.5m), André Onana (£43.8m) and Mason Mount (£55m).
– United are expected to be open to offers for many players; Højlund and Onana are currently on loan at Napoli and Trabzonspor respectively. There is confidence sources that Marcus Rashford will leave this summer even if Barcelona do not exercise their £26m pre-agreed option.
– Jadon Sancho’s United spell will end when his contract expires, saving the club around £300,000 per week. Tyrell Malacia will also leave as a free agent.
– Harry Maguire’s future is unresolved; United may offer a short-term, reduced-wage deal, but sources suggest he could opt for a longer, better-paid contract elsewhere.
Other transfer rumors
– United and Barcelona are in talks over Marcus Rashford; the £26m option fee is seen as a sticking point.
– Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with Madrid said to be open to offers above £43m.
– AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has drawn interest from foreign clubs, potentially available for around €70m.
– Internazionale have received a substantial Saudi Pro League offer for Marcus Thuram.
– Juventus scouted Sassuolo’s Ismael Kone in their 1-0 loss to Bologna.
– Arsenal faces uncertainty over Gabriel Martinelli, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
– Brighton are reportedly planning to sign Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi as a long-term replacement for Carlos Baleba amid United interest in Baleba.
– Morgan Rogers might leave Aston Villa if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
– Hoffenheim are demanding a record fee above €43.5m for 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure amid Premier League interest.
– Monaco have held positive talks over Cercle Brugge left-back Nazinho.
– Filip Kostic is ready to leave Juventus as a free agent this summer; Juve are reportedly not renewing his contract.
– Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez could leave in search of more playing time.
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