Man Utd transfer news: Adrien Rabiot, Ivan Rakitic, Paul Pogba
United aiming to beat Chelsea and Arsenal for signature of PSG star Rabiot
Manchester United are reportedly ready to “hijack” Chelsea and Arsenal’s bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
The future of the France international has been the subject of intense speculation since he refused to sign a new deal with the Paris club. The French press claim the 23-year-old has held talks with Barcelona, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea.
And according to The Sun, United have now joined the race for the “contract rebel”, with Rabiot expected to leave the Ligue 1 leaders this summer.
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.
£10m to sign on
The Sun says that United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is drawing up a list of targets for the summer transfer window, and has identified Rabiot as a potential replacement for his “ageing midfield”, with Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera “all getting on”.
Rabiot - who has been slammed by PSG for partying after their Champions League exit to United last week - is reportedly demanding £200,000-a-week wages to secure his loyalty, along with a £10m signing-on fee.
United are said to be “willing to pay” out, with a source telling the newspaper: “There is interest there. We are on the lookout for a midfield link player for the long-term.”
No deal for Rakitic
Meanwhile, the Daily Star says that United “have opted to step away from the idea” of signing Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona.
Why? Because Paul Pogba’s renaissance under Solskjaer means the Red Devils no longer have room in the dressing room for the 31-year-old Croatian star Rakitic.
Frenchman Pogba was close to quitting Old Trafford earlier in the season, as his relationship with Jose Mourinho deteriorated, but Solskjaer’s arrival “has revitalised the 25-year-old”, says the Star.
The club is reported to be confident that Pogba will stay put at Old Trafford if Solskjaer is given the manager’s job permanently - and that decision is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks by the United board.
Saturday 16 March fixtures and TV guide
Premier League
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United (3pm)
- Burnley vs. Leicester City (3pm)
- West Ham United vs. Huddersfield Town (3pm)
The FA Cup sixth round
- Watford vs. Crystal Palace (12.15pm, live on BT Sport 2)
- Swansea City vs. Manchester City (5.20pm, live on BT Sport 2)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United (7.55pm, live on BBC One)
Sunday 17 March fixtures and TV guide
Premier League
- Fulham vs. Liverpool (2.15pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Everton vs. Chelsea (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
The FA Cup sixth round
- Millwall vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (2pm, live on BBC One)
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
-
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