A possibility but not a priority - that’s how Manchester United regard Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho as the summer transfer window creeps ever closer, according to reports.
Rumours emerged earlier this month that the Red Devils could be ready to offer the former Liverpool playmaker an escape route from the Camp Nou.
The Sun says that United “have been contacted over a £100m deal” for Coutinho - but adds that reports from Spain suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “will not prioritise” a swoop for the Brazilian, as it is not a position in which the club is weak.
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That will be a disappointment for Coutinho, who has failed to fire in Spain since joining Barcelona from Liverpool in a £145m move in January 2018. He is said to have asked his representatives to put out feelers to Old Trafford.
Sancho warning
Sadly for Coutinho, Solskjaer’s transfer priority is a right winger, with Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho high up on the Norwegian’s wish list, The Sun reports.
The United boss is also on the lookout for a right-back, with club captain Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young now looking their age. AC Milan’s Davide Calabria is said to to have caught Solskjaer’s eye as the 22-year-old enjoys a fine season in Serie A.
As for Sancho, the Daily Express says that United may have their work cut out to prise him from the German side. The club’s sporting director, Michael Zorc, has warned: “Jadon will play for Borussia Dortmund next season. We are definitely planning with him.”
Battle for Ndombele
Meanwhile, The Sun says that United, Tottenham and Manchester City have received a “transfer boost” in their pursuit of Lyon star Tanguy Ndombele.
The 22-year-old French international is one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1, and his earning potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by Lyon.
The French club are expected to cash in their chips this summer, with Ndombele likely to command a fee in excess of £70m.
Economic health
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has hinted that the club - who lost 5-1 to Barcelona last night in the Champions League - is prepared to sell one or two players in order to raise sufficient funds to strengthen the depth of their squad.
“We want to win titles in France now, we want to go as high as possible in the hierarchy of European clubs so we must be in good economic health,” Aulas told French media.
United were linked to Ndombele earlier in the season, and The Sun claims that Spurs are also on the playmaker’s tail, while City’s interest is said to be lukewarm.
Barcelona reject Sanchez loan
Finally, Metro reports that Barcelona have “rejected the opportunity to sign Alexis Sanchez on loan”, citing Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The 30-year-old is said to have been hoping that the Catalan club might wish to rekindle their relationship, having spent 2011 to 2014 at the Camp Nou before joining Arsenal. But it looks like Barcelona won’t have the budget to end Sanchez’s Old Trafford agony.
Having already snapped up Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong in a £65m deal, Barca are also expected to swoop for his Ajax teammate Matthijs de Ligt - and that would leave them without the money needed to meet the South American’s wage demands.
