Right now the primary transfer rumor of concern to Manchester United fans revolves around the manager. Is Louis van Gaal staying? Will Ryan Giggs inherit the position? Is Jose Mourinho a done deal? Who knows? The Daily Star says they do with a story claiming “Manchester United will have to pay Jose Mourinho at least £10 million a year for him to become their new manager.”
We’ll see what happens.
In the meantime, here are five players rumored to be moving to Manchester United. Obviously, take most, if not all of these with a grain of salt, but it makes for interesting chatter as Premier League season winds down.
1. Atletico Madrid Midfielder Saul Niguez
According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who’s right most of the time when it comes to La Liga transfers, Manchester United want Niguez but he also says that Barcelona could beat them out to get him. Niguez, who will now help his mates take on Real Madrid in an all Spanish capital UEFA Champions League final, has a buyout clause of €45 million.
“Saul has a buy-out clause of 45m euros. There is a clause since the David Villa transfer to Barcelona, a clause that says Barcelona can equal any offer and can take him,” Balague told Sky Sports.
“Barcelona are interested, and so are Manchester United. He belongs 40 per cent to Jorge Mendes, and we’ll have to see. The last renewal offer from the club has been rejected by Saul, but the club will continue to negotiate.”
2. Southampton Winger Sadio Mane
This one has been circulating for awhile and every single time it pops back up the Saints say that he’s not for sale. The bigger question though is what can be done about wingers playing under Louis van Gaal. Memphis Depay had promise when he came up from PSV Eindhoven, but he’s flopped at Old Trafford. Angel Di Maria was elite at Real and has returned closer to his peak form with Paris Saint Germain. Of course, you know how subpar he was with United.
Anyway, we’ve covered this one in more detail here at this link.
Maybe it’s time to look at LVG’s “philosophy” and possibly how and why the wingers struggle so much with it? Speaking of PSG….
3. Paris Saint-Germain Forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Another Man United transfer rumor that’s been circulating for awhile, Ibra can pick and choose wherever he wants to go this summer; pretty much. He might get overpaid too, given his age. That makes him a good fit for United, as they’ve been overpaying a lot lately in summer transfer windows. Of course, what about his relationship with Louis van Gaal? I guess if LVG isn’t there, then it’s a moot point.
Anyway, we’ve covered this one in more detail here at this link.
4. Borussia Dortmund Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Daily Mail claims that Manchester United are moving closer towards closing a deal for Aubameyang. The publication says that the BVB striker will remain at the top of Old Trafford’s wish list even if Louis van Gaal is sacked.
5. Real Madrid midfielder Isco
According to the Daily Express, Manchester United want to muscle in on Arsenal’s deal for this summer transfer target of the Gunners.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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