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Man Utd transfer news: James, Bale, Griezmann, Pogba, Lukaku, Dias
Welsh winger Daniel James completes his move from Swansea City
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
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Championship club Swansea will receive £15m up front, with a further £3m to follow as add-ons.
United have been tailing James for a while, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the club’s official website of his delight on sealing the deal.
“Daniel is an exciting young winger with lots of skills, vision, exceptional pace and a good work ethic,” he explained. “We are all looking forward to working with him. This is the perfect environment for Daniel to continue his development.”
James was similarly gushing, saying: “This is one of the best days of my life and a challenge I am really looking forward to.”
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No to Bale
One Welshman who won’t be coming to Old Trafford is Gareth Bale, reports The Times.
The newspaper says that although Real Madrid have let it be known they want shot of him, “Bale seems not to be on Manchester United’s wish list despite the speculation”.
And given that he turns 30 next month, stumping up for his £600,000-a-week contract is is likely to prove unappealing not only to United but also every other club in Europe.
Pogba fee set at £150m
United have confirmed the signing of Daniel James from Swansea, but it’s a potential departure from Old Trafford that is making the headlines.
Paul Pogba has been linked with Real Madrid and according to the Daily Mirror, United have told the Spanish giants that the French midfielder will cost them £150m.
Lukaku hint
Unsettled United striker Romelu Lukaku has lavished praise on Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte, fuelling speculation that he is trying to extricate himself from Old Trafford.
The Belgian forward has long been linked with a summer move to Inter. The Daily Mirror notes that when asked about the Italian club’s new manager, Lukaku replied: “It’s good to see Conte has joined Inter. For me, he is the best manager in the world.”
In a cryptic hint, he added: “I’ve already taken a decision about the future, but I can’t reveal it because I have a contract with Manchester United and because I respect the club. I am a big Serie A fan... I love Italy.”
Do or Dias
The Daily Star claims that Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane “is on a collision course” with United over Ruben Dias.
United boss Solskjaer is said to be resigned to losing out to Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, and is turning to other targets.
One such player is Benfica defender Dias, described by the newspaper “as one of Europe’s hot prospects”, but Zidane is also interested in the 22-year-old.
The winners of any transfer tussle would be Benfica, who want £60m for Dias, but hope to see his price rise in a bidding war between United and Real.
Griezmann hijack
Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Man Utd could make a last-gasp bid to hijack Antoine Griezmann’s move to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid.
The paper says that Barcelona appear close to signing the French World Cup winner, but with no official move yet made by the Spaniards, the door has opened for United.
The Red Devils are reportedly prepared to “smash” their transfer record by offering £95m to Atletico for the 28-year-old forward.
