Manchester United's pursuit of Frenkie de Jong received a fresh blow at the weekend when Joan Laporta denied there was a transfer agreement in place between the clubs.
"Frenkie de Jong is our player, we really like him," said the Barcelona president. "We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn't accept as of now, as we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation."
While United's hunt for De Jong remains in the balance, the club's hierarchy are looking at alternatives. They've already agreed deals for Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez and more players could be on their way to Manchester... but who are they being linked with? Here are the latest transfer rumours from Old Trafford.
De Jong alternative identified
United are interested in signing Lazio central midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic again, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
It's believed the Red Devils are taking another look at Milinkovic-Savic, who was linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this year. The Serbia international, 27, is one of the finest midfielders in Italian football, playing 38 Serie A games for Lazio last season.
Since joining the Rome-based club from Genk in the summer of 2015, Milinkovic-Savic has made nearly 300 club appearances and won the Coppa Italia. He's also twice inspired Lazio to Supercoppa Italiana glory and was named Serie A's Best Midfielder three years ago.
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At international level, Milinkovic-Savic has won 34 senior caps and was part of the Serbia squad that won the U20 World Cup in 2015. The two-time Lazio Player of the Season is also expected to be part of their squad for this year's World Cup in Qatar.
Untied want to sign a central midfielder this summer after Paul Pogba joined Juventus on a free transfer. Lazio are reportedly demanding an initial €70million (around £59.5m) for Milinkovic-Savic and that fee is likely to be in United's price range.
Ultimately, this transfer will depend on what happens elsewhere. De Jong remains United's main transfer target and Milinkovic-Savic could join another club if Erik ten Hag's side hesitate. Arsenal are also thought to be interested in the Lazio midfielder.
Keane wants United to act
Whether it's De Jong or Milinkovic-Savic, one thing is for sure - United need to sign a new central midfielder. Red Devils legend Roy Keane has urged his former employers to get a move on with the new Premier League season just two weeks away.
As well as Pogba, Nemanja Matic has left Old Trafford to join Jose Mourinho's Roma. Even before their departures, many critics believe United needed to sign a new central midfielder because that department was one of the team's weak points last season.
"Off the top of my head, it's the midfield, the middle of the park, where they need some top quality players in there," Keane told SkyBet's Start of Season debate. "They need some physicality and some energy. That's where I'd start."
Hannibal heading to Birmingham?
Birmingham City manager John Eustace has dropped a huge hint about signing United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on loan.
The 19-year-old is hoping to have a breakthrough season at club level after starring for Tunisia last season. He was part of the squad that reached the final of FIFA Arab Cup and played a role in their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, winning 16 senior caps to date.
Mejbri's commitment to playing international football saw him make just two Premier League appearances last term and he could head out on loan before September. A move to the Championship seems likely and Birmingham appear to be interested.
"I am sure we are being linked with a lot of players," said Eustace when asked about the possibility of signing Mejbri, as quoted by Birmingham Live. "I know Hannibal is a very good player, Man Utd have got some fantastic young players in their squad.
"We had a fantastic one come to the club last year and did very well. Listen if good players are linked to Birmingham City that’s good for us."
