Manchester United are reportedly pursuing several players as they continue to shape their squad for the upcoming season. Among the key targets are Lewis Hall from Newcastle United and Igor Thiago from Brentford, with various reports indicating differing levels of progress and complications in these potential deals.
The club has already confirmed the arrival of five players this summer, while 12 have departed. This period of change comes as Michael Carrick‘s side prepares for their return to the Champions League.
Pursuit of Defensive Reinforcements
United are reportedly keen on bringing in Lewis Hall from Newcastle United. The full-back is seen as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw and could provide immediate competition for the England international.
Despite United’s reported willingness to pay a bid for Hall, Newcastle has indicated that he is not for sale. Reports suggest that Newcastle is refusing to discuss a valuation for the defender, aiming to retain him. This stance follows the departures of other players from Newcastle this summer.
Another potential left-back target for United is Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander. United scouts were reportedly impressed by Salinas’s performances during the Under-19 European Championships, where he regularly played at left-back for Spain. Mundo Deportivo claims that United are ready to trigger Salinas’s €16 million release clause. Salinas has three years remaining on his contract with Racing.
The need for a specialist left-back is further highlighted as Patrick Dorgu is now reportedly viewed internally as a winger and part of Carrick’s attacking plans. Additionally, Harry Amass, a left-back, is expected to be allowed to leave Manchester United on loan for the coming season after loan stints with Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City.
Attacking and Midfield Targets
In the attacking department, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Internal discussions at Old Trafford have reportedly taken place regarding signing the Brazilian as competition for Benjamin Sesko. Thiago scored goals in appearances across all competitions in his second full campaign in west London. His performances contributed to Brentford finishing ninth in the Premier League.
Benjamin Sesko remains central to Michael Carrick‘s long-term project at Old Trafford, despite renewed interest from Bayern Munich. Sesko excelled as a substitute last term but found goals more challenging when starting for the Reds.
There are also reports linking Morgan Gibbs-White of Forest as a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes should Fernandes leave the club. He has also attracted interest from Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Midfield has been a significant area of focus for United following the departure of Casemiro and the injury to Manuel Ugarte, who faces an extended period on the sidelines after being stretchered off during Uruguay‘s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the recent FIFA World Cup. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined the club, with a third midfield signing potentially on the way.
Manu Kone has been linked with United in their search for midfield reinforcements. Kone impressed with his performances for France in the World Cup this summer, helping his side to a fourth-place finish. However, former United full-back Patrice Evra has suggested that a move to Arsenal might be more suitable for the midfielder.
Jadon Sancho is reportedly preparing for his next move after a five-year tenure at Manchester United. He has reportedly reached verbal agreements with several suitors in Europe and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, and is considering a return to Borussia Dortmund, where he previously recorded 53 goals and 67 assists over 158 matches.
Marcus Rashford is another high-profile player whose future is uncertain. Fenerbahce are reportedly looking to sign Rashford, who is on a three-man shortlist for the Turkish club, alongside AC Milan‘s Rafael Leao and Crystal Palace‘s Ismaila Sarr. Fenerbahce is said to have contacted Rashford’s representatives regarding a prospective move.
United-linked AC Milan star Rafael Leao has reportedly been offered to Leeds and Arsenal, with the winger reportedly keen on a move away from the Serie A club this summer. Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Barcelona‘s apparent interest in Rodri could impact United’s transfer plans. This comes after the Catalan giants did not exercise their permanent option to sign Marcus Rashford.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
