Jonathan David
Jonathan David
Manchester United have kickstarted their summer transfers with the announcement of Matheus Cunha's £62.5m arrival.
The Brazilian joins on a five-year contract from Wolves, on the back of the 2024/25 campaign in which he scored 17 goals and provided six assists. Ruben Amorim hopes his new signing can have a similar influence in his Man United team, eyeing Cunha for the role of a specialist No.10.
This in itself is a success as the 26-year-old had been on the club's wish list heading into the freshly-opened window, so that is one piece of intended business ticked off. Unfortunately it seems like the same will not be said for Liam Delap, with the striker target favouring a move to Chelsea.
So it is back to the drawing board, at least somewhat, as Man United will look at alternative targets. And this crossroads may be the ideal time for Old Trafford chiefs to take a view of the growing pool of free agents available this summer.
It's no secret that United need to sell before they can buy this summer and bringing in stars who won't command a transfer fee could solve some of Amorim's biggest problems whilst freeing up the budget to be used elsewhere.
Here, the Manchester Evening News looks at three perfect options who will be available for free at the end of the month.
Angel Gomes
Angel Gomes has indicated that he will not renew with LOSC Lille for next season and beyond with it reported the creative midfielder prefers a return to England.
And Man United fans should remember the 24-year-old fondly as an academy graduate of the club, breaking through to the senior team aged just 16 in 2017. He went on to make 10 appearances before moving to France.
Now with Gomes' next transfer looming, Cunha would theoretically fill the same role as he would if a return was on the cards. That said, for no fee involved it is low risk and Amorim might appreciate all the talent he can get and the England international is versatile enough to slot into the 3-4-2-1 system.
Jonathan David
With the club set to miss out on top choice Delap, an alternative striker option available for free, is fellow Lille star Jonathan David.
The Canada international is also leaving the Ligue 1 club, having made 232 appearances over the past five years with an impressive record of 109 goals and 45 assists.
David has acquired Champions League and international experience during his time in France, though he may not fit the same target man profile of Delap, standing at only 5'10". Instead it is his pace and accuracy that make him a danger.
If they are to act it would have to be fast as Sky Sports claim he is close to agreeing terms with Serie A champions Napoli.
Nelson Semedo
As stated in the Manchester Evening News' coverage of Cunha's arrival, after their new forwards Man United are expected to target a right wing-back for Amorim's preferred system.
One soon-to-be available option is the Brazilian's teammate at Wolves, Nelson Semedo, with his contract to expire at the end of June.
Now because Man United are a fellow Premier League side, they would have to wait until July 1 to officially be able to enter discussions with the player. That means they would have to hope he has not agreed a move abroad by then.
The Portuguese international, 31, might not be a long-term solution but provides vast experience having played in the Premier League for five years, and before that for Barcelona.