Man Utd transfer news: Ousmane Dembele, Anthony Martial, Willian, Leonardo Bonucci
United could offer Martial and Ander Herrera for Barcelona forward Dembele
United chase Dembele
Manchester United are prepared to offer Anthony Martial and Ander Herrera to Barcelona in a surprise move for the services of striker Ousmane Dembele.
Reports in Spain and the UK suggest that United are after the 21-year-old French forward, who spent much of last season on the treatment table but has featured in France’s World Cup campaign this summer, unlike Martial, who was left out of the France squad after another underwhelming season at Old Trafford.
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.
Dembele moved to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for £120m only a year ago, but Spanish publication Don Balon says a deal involving Martial plus £25m or Herrera could persuade the Spanish giants to sell.
However, the Daily Mirror believes a loan move is the most likely scenario. “The Barcelona winger is facing an uncertain future after receiving limited playing time in his first season at the Nou Camp,” says the paper. “Barca are open to loaning out the young Frenchman - and a move to United could be on the cards.”
Willian to replace Martial?
Jose Mourinho could be reunited with Chelsea and Brazil star Willian this summer, reports the Daily Star.
The paper says that the 29-year-old may replace Martial, who seems certain to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Willian has “problems” at Chelsea, says the paper, and has fallen out with manager Antonio Conte. “And if the Italian stays, which is looking more likely every day, the 29-year-old wants to go,” says the Star.
“A bid of at least £60m is reportedly required, with Barcelona also in the hunt... but the Brazilian is seen as an ideal ‘Mourinho player’ because of his ability to track back.”
Jose wants Bonucci and Romagnoli
Mourinho is also interested in AC Milan defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Alessio Romagnoli, says the Manchester Evening News, picking up on reports in Italy.
The pair, who have played together for both Milan and Italy, are also being wooed by Paris Saint-Germain, but Mourinho is keen to bolster his defensive options despite having half-a-dozen centre backs on the books already.
“It is claimed that the cash-strapped Rossoneri will consider selling both men due to their urgent need for funds after they received a Uefa competition ban for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations,” explains the paper.
Bonucci, 31, has 80 caps for Italy and joined Milan last summer in a surprise £35m move from Juventus.
Man Utd scout son of City star
Old Trafford scouts have “been to check on Norwegian teenager Erling Haaland”, reports the Daily Mirror. And if the name rings a bell it is because he is the son of former Manchester City midfielder Alf Inge Haaland, whose feud with United legend Roy Keane has gone down in football folklore.
The 17-year-old has broken into the starting line-up for Molde in Norway and is attracting interest from around Europe.
The Mirror says: “United have been to check on him recently and scouts were again in attendance for Sunday’s clash with Valarenga. And they will have been impressed with what they saw as Haaland turned in a fine display for the Norwegian side.”
Young duo sign deals
Teenagers Callum Whelan and Zak Dearnley have signed new deals at Old Trafford and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay by breaking into the first team, This Is Futbol reports.
The two 19-year-olds were part of the under-23 squad last season and have now secured their futures at Old Trafford.
United have a “proud history” of developing young talent and the duo, who play up front and in central midfield, are “highly rated”, claims the website. But it adds that first-team opportunities will be limited this season.
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
-
The best homes of the year
Feature Featuring a grand turret entrance in New York and built-in glass elevator in Arizona
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nordstrom family, investor to take retail chain private
Speed Read The business will be acquired by members of the family and El Puerto de Liverpool, a Mexican real estate company
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden commutes most federal death sentences
Speed Read The president downgraded the punishment of 37 of 40 prisoners on death row to life in prison without parole
By Peter Weber, The Week US 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