Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs keeping an eye on Vinicius Junior's situation at Real Madrid.
The Brazilian's future at the Estadio Bernabeu is uncertain amid discussions between the player and the club over a new deal. His current contract expires next summer and negotiations have taken twists and turns.
Madrid don't intend to allow Vinicius to head into the final year of his contract and have handed him an ultimatum. He either signs a new deal that fits within their wage structure, or he is put up for sale.
Man Utd In The Mix For Vinicius
Vinicius JrDanilo Fernandez / Fotoarena/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
Vinicius is one of world football's best attackers, thriving as one of Madrid's main men at the Bernabeu. He has fired Los Blancos to UEFA Champions League glory and made record-breaking history since joining the La Liga giants in 2018.
Last season was a difficult one for the Brazilian, who endured a lengthy goal drought and incurred the wrath of supporters. He was largely blamed for Xabi Alonso's dismissal in January and many question his character.
Vinicius ended the season well and as a result will be one of the most in-demand attackers on the market if he doesn't pen a new deal.
A report from TEAMtalk claims that his potential availability has alerted United, who are thought to be keen on adding a new left-winger to Michael Carrick's squad. A move to Old Trafford isn't the only option if he makes a shock exit this summer.
There remains interest from the Saudi Pro League and they want to make him their next marquee signing. He's been the subject of big-money offers from the Middle East in the past, and he could double his wages if he heads to Saudi.
Real are willing to increase his current £350,000-a-week salary to £400,000-a-week, although his representatives are seeking closer to £500,000-a-week.
Bayern Munich are also admirers and are reportedly monitoring the situation. They are one of only a few European clubs who can afford a deal for the Madrid star.
United would also face competition from Premier League rivals as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are all being kept in the loop. A potential transfer tug-of-war between the big six clubs could make for compelling viewing.
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Man Utd Need To Sort Their Midfield First
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick embraces Casemiro
When United headed into the summer transfer window, the priority was to overhaul Carrick's midfield. Casemiro's exit means the Red Devils will be without one of their most important players next season.
Strengthening other areas of the squad should be addressed after the midfield rebuild is sorted. As it stands, a £50m deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos is set to be confirmed while Ederson's arrival from Atalanta is in limbo.
Chelsea's Andrey Santos during training Related
After Santos: Man Utd Lining Up Move to Sign 'Marquee' Midfielder
The Red Devils have landed the Brazilian.
Vinicius, who broke a "mind-blowing" record, undoubtedly takes Carrick's team to another level, but the money you'd have to fork out for him could go on two marquee midfielders. That's not even taking into account how much money he'll want to earn, as reports claim Madrid's proposal is an improved £400,000-per-week basic salary.