Manchester United can begin their summer spending spree officially as of tomorrow, with fans excited to see what calibre of talent Erik ten Hag can attract.
After a miserable campaign, there is the expectation that the new Dutch manager will orchestrate a mass revamp at the club. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Nemanja Matic are amongst the stars departing, with their contracts expiring, making space for new arrivals.
Reports have circulated that the club are in the market for striker reinforcements, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to stay at Old Trafford, as well as a defender amongst other positions of interest. With that being said, Mirror Sport takes a look at the latest rumours circulating at the Theatre of Dreams.
Liverpool bid for Nunez
Liverpool are set to steal the initiative in the race to secure the signature of sought after star Darwin Nunez. The Benfica striker is hot property this summer, with numerous clubs linked with the Uruguay international.
United are amongst those interested, but Premier League rivals Liverpool appear to be at the front of the queue to sign the 22-year-old. Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Reds have sent an official bid of £68million for Nunez that could rise up to £85m, a figure that is reportedly in the region of what Benfica would accept.
ESPN has also reported that Spanish clubs are monitoring the situation. The Red Devils are thought to be in contact with Nunez’s agent, but whether they have missed their opening remains to be seen.
Bastoni blow
Ten Hag is keen to strengthen his defence this summer, but it appears that he will have to change his transfer plans already. The Dutchman was reportedly keen on Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni, but the central defender will remain at Inter Milan.
The 23-year-old has been linked with both United and Spurs, but both sides will now have to look elsewhere as the player is happy at the Serie A side. Bastoni’s agent, Tullio Tinti, told reporters: “Bastoni will certainly remain at Inter. He has a contract with Inter, he is happy to play at Inter and there's no problem.”
There has been speculation that Bastoni may instead commit his future to Inter by signing a contract extension at the San Siro outfit. Speaking of a new deal, Tinti said: “I respect contracts. If they call me, there’s no problem.”
United join race for Gvardiol
One alternative as a left-sided centre-back being suggested is RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. The defender has impressed in the Bundesliga this season and has emerged as a United transfer target.
The Telegraph report that the Red Devils have joined the race to sign the Croatian, with Chelsea and Spurs also keen. Gvardiol shone in his first season in the Bundesliga, both domestically and in cup competitions – helping Leipzig to the Europa League semi-finals and their first DFP-Pokal.
United also remain interested in Jurrien Timber of Ajax, with Ten Hag keen to reunite with the defender.
