Manchester United could be in for a busy end to their summer transfer business
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United checks in ahead of their flight to Gothenburg for a pre-season friendly match against PSG at Manchester Airport on August 07, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick and Manchester United are unlikely to be done just yet(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United's next Premier League campaign is drawing ever closer. Following Saturday's pre-season meeting with Paris Saint-Germain, there are just two more friendlies left before the opener away to Hull City.
Michael Carrick has welcomed new signings including midfield duo Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. There have also been some high-profile exits, not least that of Casemiro, who has now joined Inter Miami.
There have been ins and outs this week, with Cristian Orozco joining from Fortaleza and Radek Vitek departing for Middlesbrough. We've got a bit more on that Vitek deal further down.
We've also got news for you on a potential defensive addition, though United aren't the only club in the mix there. Here are our latest lines from Old Trafford.
Crunch time over Lucumi
United are running short of time to determine whether to match Bologna's valuation for Jhon Lucumi. The Italian side want around £21m for their Colombian centre-half, who has also attracted Serie A interest.
Lucumi, a fixture in his club's back line, is also a target for Juventus. However, reports from Italy suggest United or Premier League competitors Chelsea could gain an advantage by meeting Bologna's asking price before the Bianconeri.
Jhon Lucumi of Bologna Fc during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Naples Italy on 11 May 2026. (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jhon Lucumi has impressed with his Bologna form(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Corriere di Bologna reports that United are amongst the clubs weighing up paying Bologna's asking price and are "capable" of meeting it. The player is said to only be willing to move to a 'big club', giving the Red Devils a distinct advantage.
The 28-year-old has made more than 100 Serie A appearances and was part of Colombia's World Cup squad as they progressed to the round of 16 under Nestor Lorenzo. United look to have money to spend on their back line after a £60m move for Lewis Hall was ruled out, with Newcastle United making it clear he will not be leaving after several notable departures already this summer.
United send message with Vitek demands
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek has officially departed United for Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £14m. The young Czech stopper has cost the Championship club an initial £7m, with potential add-ons to follow.
The MEN understands the deal includes a buy-back clause and matching rights. A 35 per cent sell-on clause is also in place, potentially delivering the kind of financial windfall the club have previously missed out on when players have flourished after leaving.
"The mission is clear: to go to the Premier League," Vitek said upon moving to the north east. "I think everyone at the club has that mindset, and I want the same thing. Now I just can't wait to get started."