Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Manchester United's summer transfer business has hit a little bit of a lull following a chaotic start. Ruben Amorim and key figures upstairs completed their first signing on the first day of the window, with Matheus Cunha making the blockbuster £62.5million transfer in from Wolves on June 1.
Two days later, it was reported that Bryan Mbeumo has outlined his preference to United over a potential switch. Since, Amorim's side have made a £45m-plus £10m add-ons bid, but Brentford have rejected. Despite Tottenham's interest, Mbeumo is still keen on moving to Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, United are in the market for a new No.9. There's been talk around a move for Viktor Gyokeres, but the Sporting CP frontman prefers Arsenal instead, while Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani continue to be linked.
With this in mind, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest news;
Lunin transfer
According to Defensa Central, United have one eye on Real Madrid and Ukraine international goalkeeper Andriy Lunin should a deal for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez not go through.
The Spanish news outlet has reported that while Martinez is a favourite among the United chiefs, the Argentine has offers from Saudi Arabia that are triple what he could get at Old Trafford.
That has led to United looking at a potential alternative - with a swoop for Lunin explored. The Reds have "made enquiries" with Lunin's agent Jorge Mendes about a potential deal for the 26-year-old.
The Manchester Evening News says: Lunin's performances for Real Madrid during the 2023/2024 campaign were exceptional. He stepped up when needed after Thibaut Courtois tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Kepa Arrizabalaga struggled. While his game-time was reduced last term when Courtois returned, Lunin still managed to make 14 appearances.
While Lunin wouldn't be the worst option, I think United should steer clear of him. Although he has played 62 matches for one of the biggest clubs in the world, he hasn't had enough exposure to be trusted as a ready-made replacement for Andre Onana, and United should target someone with more matches under their belt.
Palhinha swoop
According to Caught Offside, Amorim's United are planning to launch a pursuit for former Fulham midfielder, Joao Palhinha, who worked with the Portuguese coach at Sporting CP.
It's believed that Bayern Munich are open to letting Palhinha leave this summer, and his agent is exploring options to bring him back to the Premier League. The 29-year-old struggled for regular game-time under Vincent Kompany last season, starting just seven matches in the Bundesliga.
The Manchester Evening News says: It would be tempting to suggest that United should target Palhinha as there is no doubt he is a fantastic footballer, but the midfielder just isn't the right profile right now. The Reds should instead be looking at younger midfielders as Palhinha is set to turn 30 next month.
If United can get the ex-Fulham man for less than £20m and on a short contract with low wages, I wouldn't mind it, but I think Amorim can get a younger alternative with more value.
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