Man Utd transfer news: Philippe Coutinho, Jadon Sancho, Alexis Sanchez
Coutinho low on priority list as Solskjaer makes winger Sancho a top target
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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Damian Barr shares his favourite books
The Week Recommends The writer and broadcaster picks works by Alice Walker, Elif Shafak and others
By The Week UK Published
-
The Great Mughals: a 'treasure trove' of an exhibition
The Week Recommends The V&A's new show is 'spell-binding'
By The Week UK Published
-
Big Tech critic Brendan Carr is Trump's FCC pick
In the Spotlight The next FCC commissioner wants to end content moderation practices on social media sites
By David Faris Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published