Battle for Bruno
After a great season for Sporting Lisbon, Bruno Fernandes was easily one of the club’s standout players finding the back of the net 31 times in the 2018/19 season, making him the highest-scoring Portuguese midfielder in a single season of all time.
The combination of goals, something which is much needed for United, along with the fact that he is just 24-years-old means that he would be the perfect addition, so what’s stopping Solskjaer?
As always with transfers, money is the major issue. With Fernandes having a €100 million (£90 million) release clause in his contract, could the Reds part with that amount of money?
The signing would be great for United’s midfield, and could give the likes of Jesse Lingard the wake-up call that he so desperately needs after a lacklustre season. However, with the cost so high it could affect any other options the Reds may have in the transfer window.
There have been rumours circling on the Transfer Window podcast that Fernandes is entitled to tear up his contract due to issues at the club, meaning that he could possibly leave for the much more appealing and smaller figure of €35 million (£31 million).
With Portuguese outlets stating that Miguel Pinho, his agent, is in England as United and the likes of Spurs and Liverpool battle it out for the 24-year-old, could United come out on top?
Maguire to Manchester?
With reports that United have had an opening bid of £70m rejected by Leicester for Harry Maguire, the Reds would have to pay a world record fee for the defender, leaving fans questioning if he is worth the money.
Last year United were in the same predicament as they expressed interest in the 26-year-old, but refused to pay Leicester’s asking price. With everyone thinking the transfer had died last summer, the interest clearly still remains.
Whilst it is common knowledge that United need to target a centre half, there are other options the Reds could have explored, such as Raphael Varane or Toby Alderweireld, but it is understood that the Leicester defender would be a better fit at United.
Renewed interest could also be there thanks to Mike Phelan the assistant manager. Phelan worked with Maguire for the best part of two years when he was assistant and full-time manager at Hull. Also, with the Manchester Evening News claiming that United are prepared to pay £100 million on a defender, we may not have heard the last of this transfer.
Replacement for Pogba?
United have identified Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba. The midfielder has been a regular for the Madrid team since 2014 and has also featured in the Spanish national team.
As rumours continue regarding Pogba’s future, Niguez would be a good replacement for the Frenchman, with United having already spoken to the player’s representatives according the Spanish Outlet AS.
However, the likelihood of signing the Spaniard doesn’t look too certain, with the midfielder reportedly having a €150 million release clause after signing a new contract with the club in 2017. In addition, with Atletico having lost their star player Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona this summer, the team will not want to lose out on another player and will do anything to keep him.
