Rabiot on the radar
Manchester United are once more keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot.
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The Manchester Evening News (MEN) reports that the French midfielder is set to leave PSG shortly.
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Barcelona, Tottenham and Liverpool are also interested in the prospect of signing the playmaker on a free transfer, but United are tipped to win the race to his signature.
Apparently the Red Devils are “keen” to sign Rabiot as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic, who is expected to leave Old Trafford in the coming months.
MEN claims that United gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has “lobbied” the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to pull off a prominent midfield signing this summer. Rabiot fits the bill because “he is an early 20-something proven option with Champions League and international pedigree”.
Pogba update
Meanwhile the MEN also provides the latest developments on the saga that is Paul Pogba’s United career.
The paper says that senior club sources have informed them that the French midfielder “will stay beyond the summer and keeping him is key to their transfer activity”.
Pogba and Rabiot are international buddies and the former’s presence has put them in the driving seat to sign the PSG star.
Big deal for De Ligt
The Daily Express reports that United have offered Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt a “huge wage packet” to move to Old Trafford.
Dutch defender De Ligt has been heavily linked with Barcelona but Spanish newspaper Sport says that the Catalans’ hopes of signing the 19-year-old are “beginning to fade”.
Werner hope
The chase is back on for Germany striker Timo Werner, reports the Daily Mirror, after the Leipzig star was told that Bayern Munich don’t want him.
Werner had been hoping to secure a move to the Allianz Arena this summer but Leipzig chief Ralf Rangnick has told the German press that Bayern can’t afford a deal after already spending heavily.
That, says the Mirror, has given “fresh hope” to United and Liverpool, both of whom have been scouting Werner in recent months.
Donnarumma rumour
If David de Gea does depart Old Trafford this summer might his replacement be AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma?
The Sun pushes the theory that United are tailing the Italian gloveman in the event that De Gea does sever his ties with United. Spanish keeper De Gea is linked with French champions PSG.
It was suggested earlier in the week that Sergio Romero could be promoted from the wings to replace De Gea, but the Sun says that “the Argentine may not be the answer for Solskjaer”.
Instead the Norwegian is looking to the 20-year-old Donnarumma, who, despite his tender years, is regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the business.
Quoting Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Sun says that Donnarumma “could be sold by Milan if United came up with bid of around £55m”.
No go for Fraser
The Daily Star reports that Arsenal will imminently announce the signing of Ryan Fraser from Bournemouth after United “backed out of the race”.
The paper says that the Premier League pair had been tussling for the signature of the Scottish international, both attracted by his £30m asking price.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery had always been in prime position to land the winger. The Star doesn’t explain why United have called off the chase for Fraser, although perhaps it may be linked to their renewed interest in Adrien Rabiot.
Four set for the axe
United manager Solskjaer plans to overhaul his squad and he has identified the players he wants out.
The Daily Mirror says that Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku are all likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.
