Manchester United have signed a striker and centre back already this summer, but fans still await that holding midfielder to protect the back four and unleash Paul Pogba to a preferable role.
We’ve seen multiple names thrown into the mix but nothing put in stone. Jose Mourinho has become frustrated with Ed Woodward’s lackadaisical approach at times, so how long must fans wait to see their new midfield general sign the dotted line and drive United closer to a Premier League title race? After all, it does seem to be the missing part of Mourinho’s jigsaw.
Without further ado, here are this week’s top five emerging transfer rumours regarding Manchester United:
Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan)
The one that won’t go away. United have been linked with Perisic all summer but are yet to agree on a fee. According to reports in Italy, San Siro chiefs are willing to come to an arrangement with the Old Trafford club if they can sign Anthony Martial in exchange.
Letting an extremely talented 21-year-old leave to sign a 28-year-old would be farcical. Martial may have suffered from second season syndrome but this time last year he missed out on an entire pre-season due to reaching the final of Euro 2016 with France. This summer, however, France had no involvement in an international tournament, so Martial has a better chance of hitting the ground running with United.
Regarding Perisic, there’s no smoke without fire. United are definitely in talks with Inter Milan and the player’s representatives. It seems as though it’s only a matter of time before a deal is finalised.
Verdict: Very likely.
Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich)
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Sanches could leave Bayern this summer amid speculation United are ready to revive their interest in the midfielder.
Despite arriving at Bayern for £30million last May, the Portugal international endured a difficult season in the Bundesliga, failing to score in 17 league appearances.
“At this time, he’s training with us,” said Ancelotti. “We have to make a decision.
“A move could be a possibility but there is also a chance he could stay with us for the season.”
Mourinho has previously claimed he would have worked harder to land the former Benfica midfielder if he had been in the Old Trafford hot seat earlier. Then at a later date, the United manager resisted the subject of Sanches, stating how a European champion should be getting more game time.
Verdict: Early days. United have yet to brief anything on the matter.
Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
Not that bookmakers have any real say on transfers, BetStars have made United favourites to secure a deal for Spurs midfielder Dier at 2/1.
After missing out on Tiemoune, United are now seen as front runners for Dier’s signature this summer. He is seen as a dynamic player who would suit the defensive nature of Mourinho’s tactics.
Dier’s versatility would also see him able to fill in at centre-back should United’s defence become thin through injuries — as seen last season.
However, United will do well to convince Spurs to sell after already losing Kyle Walker to Manchester City this month. Daniel Levy, on the other hand, is renowned as a shrewd businessman, and won’t bow down to any offer that doesn’t meet the club’s asking price.
Verdict: Any deal is very much dependant on Matic’s availability.
Chris Smalling (to West Brom)
According to The Sun, West Brom are set to launch a £10million bid for Smalling. The England international has slipped down Mourinho’s pecking order with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly set to be paired together with Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind regarded as adequate backup.
But in today’s market £10million seems low for a player that has made 243 appearances for Manchester United and 31 for England.
Tony Pulis is keen to partner Smalling with former teammate at United, Jonny Evans, in his back four. As well as West Brom, Leicester, Crystal Palace and Stoke are all believed to be interested in the former Fulham defender.
Smalling has been at United since 2010 and is likely to be move on this summer.
Verdict: If West Brom move quickly there’s no reason why this deal won’t happen.
