Alba to Old Trafford?
Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs vying to sign Jordi Alba from Barcelona, reports The Sun.
The 29-year-old left back has two years left on his contract with the Spanish giants but is believed to be frustrated by Barca’s reluctance to discuss a new deal.
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That news has got United, Tottenham and Chelsea sniffing round, and Spanish publication AS claims there is “a realistic possibility” Alba could be sold providing his £55m release clause is met.
Alba is currently with the Spanish national team at the Fifa World Cup in Russia. He has played in both of Spain’s group B matches so far.
Fred deal is sealed
Brazil midfielder Fred has agreed terms with United, becoming their second signing of the summer.
According to Sky Sports, he arrives from Shakhtar Donetsk on a five-year deal in what the broadcaster claims is a transfer “in the region of £52m plus bonuses… [which] could take the deal to around £61.2m”. If true, Fred will be United’s third most expensive signing ever, behind Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.
United had been waiting on Fred to get a work permit, but the paperwork has now been completed and he will head to Old Trafford following the World Cup.
“Fred will complement our other midfielders’ qualities, which we need. Hhis creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game,” said United boss Jose Mourinho.
The player himself said: “This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team. To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Thanks but no thanks
Inter defender Milan Skriniar has confirmed that Mourinho has been courting him but says he intends to spurn the advances of the United gaffer, Goal.com reports.
It’s an open secret that Mourinho is in the market for defenders and according to Skriniar, he’s on the Special One’s summer shopping list. But in an interview for the Slovakian football federation’s official website, the 23-year-old made it clear that he’s not interested in moving to Old Trafford.
“Manchester United? I heard from them and it made me proud,” he said. “But I’m even happier that Inter decided to reject it and that they believe so much in me.”
