Carrington reopens its doors on Monday morning as Manchester United begin their pre-season preparations. Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff were filmed arriving at United’s training base on Friday ahead of a crucial campaign for themselves, the players and the club.
The Red Devils’ two summer signings so far, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon, should be among the players who clock in on day one. Meanwhile, work continues to name Bryan Mbeumo as Amorim’s third recruit after Brentford rejected two opening bids, the latest worth £55million plus £7.5m in add-ons.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia will be absent as the quintet explore United exits. Two of them could make up four transfers that the 20-time English champions have a chance of completing in the first week of pre-season.
Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd
There is a strong sense that the Mbeumo transfer saga is nearing an imminent climax - be that a successful deal or a collapse.
Over a week has passed since Brentford rebuffed United’s second formal approach as the Bees target a guaranteed fee of at least £60m.
A third bid is strongly expected, and, given the delay, Old Trafford figures will have been working hard to ensure it is a case of third time lucky.
Amorim will hold serious hope of having his third summer recruit through the door by the end of the week.
Marcus Rashford to Barcelona
Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has turned the tide in Rashford’s favour as he holds out for a dream move to the Nou Camp.
The La Liga champions are also seriously interested in Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, but he seems set to stay on Merseyside due to his hefty price tag.
Sky Germany report that Barcelona have reopened talks with Rashford after deeming a swoop for Diaz unlikely.
Personal terms will not be an issue, but their possible preference for an initial loan could prove problematic in negotiations with United.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Man Utd
The Red Devils are reportedly making a shock move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is a free agent after his Everton contract expired this month.
Amorim has missed out on his top two striker targets, with Liam Delap joining Chelsea and Viktor Gyokeres on course for Arsenal.
And as player sales are proving hard to come by, his budget to strengthen other areas beyond adding Cunha and Mbeumo to his attack could be thin.
Given his availability on a free transfer, a Calvert-Lewin deal could be wrapped up quickly if United’s interest is genuinely concrete.
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Jadon Sancho to Juventus
Juventus appear to have come to United’s rescue in their bid to offload Sancho for good.
Chelsea paid £5m to send him back to Manchester rather than trigger a £25m buy obligation after his loan at Stamford Bridge.
Italian reports claim that the 25-year-old has said yes to a switch to Turin, although he would likely have to accept a pay cut.
A summit is said to be scheduled for the start of the week over a potential deal worth around £21m.