Hello and welcome to the Manchester United transfer news blog on Saturday, April 5.
We are just one day away from the Manchester derby as United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford. The Reds are looking to do the double over City having beaten them in dramatic fashion back in December.
If they are to do that, they will have to do it without their match-winner from that night, Amad, who is tied up with an ankle injury. Impressive centre-back Ayden Heaven is also going to miss out on the clash with City but his return date is unclear.
As for transfers, the Reds are reportedly looking at Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as an option this summer. He has scored 19 goals in all competitions this campaign and could be seen as a better option for the future at 22.
Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres remains of interest considering his links to Ruben Amorim but United are not alone in that. Galatasaray's loanee Victor Osimhen has also been tipped to join the Reds but his parent club Napoli could price United out of the deal.
As for outgoings, both Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes have been linked with the exit door recently but neither man's departure would be welcomed.
All the latest United transfer news, views and rumours can be found in the blog below...
Thanks for joining us
That's all for today on our Manchester United transfer live blog!
Be sure to return to the MEN for more United transfer news, updates and rumours from tomorrow...
Gyokeres 'transfer priority revealed'
Manchester United are one of many Premier League clubs to have been linked with a move Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal and Chelsea appear to be actively in the hunt for his signature while he is one of many strikers admired by United. However, it looks as though they may have to look elsewhere.
According to TBR Football, the Swede has made Arsenal his top priority after being impressed by talks with the Gunners this week.
In terms of alternatives for United, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike appear on the club's radar.
Huge Valverde transfer claims
Federico Valverde joining Manchester United from Real Madrid would be a stunning deal and therefore it is worth taking it with a huge pinch of salt.
Nonetheless, Fichajes have claimed that the Reds would be willing to spend £100million to sign the Uruguay international.
Capable of playing in midfield and in any position on the right, Valverde would be a sensational signing for Ruben Amorim.
Cherki release clause truth emerges
Manchester United have been handed an update on Lyon forward Rayan Cherki amid links with a move to Old Trafford, writes Isaac Seelochan.
Recent reports have claimed that cash-strapped Lyon will not stand in the 21-year-old's way if he wants to depart this summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specialises in transfers, has confirmed that the French forward has a release clause in his current Lyon contract. It has been claimed that the cause would cost an English club £25m.
Man United 'monitoring' Bournemouth star
Premier League rivals Bournemouth face a difficult task this summer to keep their best players due to what has been a fantastic campaign for the Cherries so far.
Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen are the two names dominating the headlines, but winger Antoine Semenyo is also expected to be the subject of transfer interest this summer.
According to a report from The Independent this week, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all 'surveying' the 25-year-old's progress and are weighing up a summer move.
The article goes on to claim that Semenyo himself is assessing his own future at the Vitality Stadium amid strong interest from elsewhere.
Delap to Man United transfer latest
A fresh, major claim has been made towards the future of Manchester United-linked striker Liam Delap as the Ipswich Town goalscorer appears set to be at the heart of a summer transfer battle, writes James Quinlan.
- Delap 'advantage'
- Release clause explained
- Chairman's warning
Amorim makes Premier League vow
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has vowed he will win the Premier League with the club.
The Portuguese coach was appointed last November following the departure of Erik ten Hag, but things have not been plain sailing so far as the Red Devils sit 13th in the league standings.
However, Amorim is confident his time at United will end in success and that he will deliver silverware.
"I know myself quite well," he said in an interview with Sky Sports ahead of this weekend's Manchester derby. "I really think in the future we can win the Premier League.
"I don't know when. It is going to take time, but I want to put that pressure on myself because I will not stay in the middle ground or try to use excuses. It is not in me."
Man United 'make offer' for Osimhen
Manchester United are among the clubs rumoured to be interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.
The Nigeria international is currently on loan in Turkey with Galatasaray, but clubs across Europe are keeping a close eye on his situation ahead of the next transfer window.
According to Turkish journalist Arda Ozkurt, United and Arsenal have already made offers to sign Osimhen ahead of next season. Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly just monitoring things at this stage, but could yet enter the race.
The report notes that Galatasaray are eager to keep Osimhen at the club beyond his loan deal and are prepared to make 'significant sacrifices' to come up with the expected transfer fee.
Man United wonderkid makes academy history
JJ Gabriel is one of the most exciting young prospects in Man United's academy and he was in action for the Under-18s on Saturday.
The young Reds dismantled Leeds United at Carrington and Gabriel was introduced in the 63rd minute as he went on to score twice in the final minutes of the game.
Dibling advised on his next summer transfer move
After being linked with a switch to United in the January transfer window, Southampton ace Tyler Dibling has been told by his manager Ivan Juric which move he should be making this summer.
I work a lot with the young players, and my vision of the young players is that they have to choose what is best for them. What is best for them is playing games. I had lots of examples where my young players chose the wrong team, and they didn’t play and they started to lose themselves. I think what is best for him, and for everybody, is to choose the team, stay here or choose the team where he can play 30 games, 35 games.
Amorim sets out United transfer plans
In his press conference on Friday, Amorim was asked for his targets for next season and while he is looking for improvements, he refused to go over the top with his demands.
I am not saying we are going to win the title next year, I am not crazy. I just want to focus on our strengths and bring one or two players, big players.
We can almost guarantee that one of those big players that Amorim wants to sign is a striker considering the lack of goal threat this season.
Amorim decides future of Ten Hag signing
Speaking to the club's official media, Ruben Amorim has confirmed that he has plans for Noussair Mazraoui to be a defender heading into the future.
It's hard to see the best position. His background is like a full-back, in a defence of four. So in our way of playing, he can play in different positions. I see him as one of the defenders in this moment, because of his quality, he can defend. He can play one against one, defending, attacking. So I'm seeing him with a future to play as a wing-back and as a centre-back.
This would suggest that Amorim does not have plans to sell Mazraoui in the summer even if he can complete a mass overhaul of the current squad.
Mount fitness update
After making a 12-minute cameo during the defeat to Forest in midweek, Amorim provided a fitness update on Mount ahead of the Manchester derby tomorrow.
Mason Mount is fit enough to start, but we must manage him. Mason has trained a lot of times, getting the load in his body. Sometimes the mind is more important than the body. He is fit to play and we will see on Sunday.
How United could benefit more ways than one by selling Sancho to Wolves
United are looking to sell Sancho permanently in the summer and if Wolves are the team to sign him then the Reds may look to keep that channel of communication open.
Centre-forward Matheus Cunha is in demand heading into the summer and United have been credited with interest.
If Wolves want to sign Sancho as an addition to their forward line, the Reds may try to get Cunha in exchange which would be a solid bit of business from the club.
New club want to sign Sancho
According to Football Transfers, Wolves are exploring a deal to sign Jadon Sancho in the summer should Chelsea decide not to pay £25m for him at the end of the season.
The winger has endured a mediocre season in the capital which suggested that Chelsea may choose to pay £5m to get out of a deal to sign him permanently in the summer.
If they were to do this, then Wolves are reportedly keen to bring Sancho to Molineux.
Sporting ready to let Gyokeres go
After performing so well for the club since arriving under Amorim's tenure, Gyokeres is reportedly set to be handed his wish to leave this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, the Lisbon club would be happy to shake hands on a 'cut price' fee for the Swede in the summer as a 'thank you' for what he has done for the club.
Sensationally, Gyokeres has scored 86 goals in 93 appearances for the Portuguese club.
United face increased competition for Gyokeres
Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move to United since Amorim joined the club considering the pair's brilliant partnership in Lisbon.
However, the Reds were not the first team to want the Swede and it is understood that Arsenal see Gyokeres as a more attainable option than his fellow countryman Alexander Isak.
The Daily Express understands that Gyokeres is now Arsenal's top target in the summer.
Muller announces Bayern Munich exit
Some fresh news coming to us this hour from Germany as Thomas Muller has announced he will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of this season.
Back in 2019 he told Kicker that he was offered the chance to sign for United but instead chose to stay in Munich.
There was a stage when the subject [a move to United] arose two years ago when I considered it, but then the club immediately backed me and I was told I belong here. I didn't have to think about it a great deal after Bayern said we are counting on you and that you are an important man for us. Of course, it's possible [to leave]. When my time is up, it's up. [Bastian] Schweinsteiger was here for over 10 years and now he's been gone for over two years and another player is here instead. It will be exactly the same with me. If I drop dead tomorrow, there will be a funeral, yet on Friday, 11 players will still be out on the pitch. That's life.
How United will afford Ekitike signing
It is no secret that funds at Old Trafford are tight heading into the summer transfer window and that the Reds will need to sell in order to buy.
The Daily Mail reported last week that should they try to sign Ipswich's Liam Delap, they would afford his purchase by selling Rashford and Sancho.
MEN Sport understands the duo are part of the ten players United expect to depart, one way or another, in the summer but Delap is thought to be available for around £40m so the Reds would need to find another £28m from somewhere.
How much Ekitike could cost
Due to his age and having not been at Eintracht Frankfurt for long, Ekitike could cost United a premium in the summer.
It is believed a release clause of approximately £68m is included in the Frankfurt star's contract which would put him in the same price bracket as Osimhen and Gyokeres.
However, he is four years younger than those two forwards and this could play into Ineos' thinking, if they are willing to spend that amount.
United open talks with Ekitike's agent
According to Anfield Watch, United are one of three Premier League clubs who have held talks with Ekitike's agent regarding his future.
The centre-forward has scored 19 goals so far this season after leaving PSG permanently last summer.
Since leaving Stade Reims, this is the first time that Ekitike has hit double figures in a season and it is his best goal tally for a campaign to date.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to this morning's United blog.
My name is Jack Flintham and I will be taking you through all the latest news, views and rumours from Old Trafford this morning.
The big news last night surrounded the potential signing of Hugo Ekitike and that's where we will start our round-up today.
Man United learn new asking price for Liverpool transfer target after '£42m rejection'
Manchester United reportedly remain interested in Atalanta midfielder Ederson. United, who have been long-term admirers of the Brazilian, tried to sign him last summer but the Serie A side rejected a £42million (€50m) bid according to reports in Italy.
Nonetheless, he remains a player they admire and have continued to follow him heading into the summer transfer window as per the latest reports. Tutto Atalanta now claim there is a chance the 25-year-old could leave the Serie A side at the end of the season.
If he does depart, he will not be short of options with Liverpool, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and United all 'waiting' to make a move.
It's said they are 'ready to knock' on the door of Atalanta regarding a deal. The Italian club meanwhile, are thought to already be anticipating his exit and have identified Empoli's Toni Anjorin as a target to replace him.
'No way back' for Marcus Rashford
Pete O'Rourke claims Marcus Rashford will leave Manchester United this summer, with his future currently up in the air.
The United academy graduate is currently on loan with Aston Villa who have the option-to-buy the England international for a fee of £40million in the upcoming transfer window.
Speaking on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, O'Rourke said “there is no way back” for Rashford, despite his impressive purple patch with Villa.
Why Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has put his house up for sale
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is looking for a new property in Cheshire after putting his house up for sale.
United sources say Garnacho bought his current house in the summer when his family and brother were still living in England. Garnacho's parents and sibling have since returned to Spain and Garnacho and his partner, Eva, have opted to downsize with their one-year-old son, Enzo.
There remains ongoing uncertainty over Garnacho's future after United rejected a £40million offer from Napoli in the winter transfer window. The Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules effectively incentivise clubs to sell homegrown players as they represent a pure profit but United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has claimed the club will not sell any players for financial reasons.
You can read more from Samuel Luckhurst here.
Ederson on Amorim's radar
Manchester United reportedly remain interested in Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Tutto Atalanta now claim there is a chance the 25-year-old could leave the Serie A side at the end of the season. If he does depart, he will not be short of options with Liverpool, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and United all 'waiting' to make a move.
Heaven injury update
Ayden Heaven has issued a welcomed injury return update on social media after suffering an injury in United's 3-0 win over Leicester City.
There were fears that the promising defender could be unavailable for the remainder of the season. Heaven has now provided an update on his Instagram story ahead of Sunday's derby clash against Manchester City. "Soon back, Reds," he said in a welcome three-word message on Friday afternoon.
Keane informed he's got Fernandes all wrong
Brandon Williams has defended Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes after praising his conduct both on and off the pitch.
The Portuguese midfielder was strongly criticised by ex-United captain Roy Keane in February, despite his outstanding form this season. During a heated debate with Ian Wright on The Overlap podcast, Keane described Fernandes as a talented player but said that "talent is not enough", taking aim at his leadership skills in particular.
The 30-year-old responded by saying he would use the criticism as fuel to try and prove Keane wrong, but insisted he would be true to himself in the captain's role. Former United full-back Williams has now jumped in to back Fernandes, who he described as "by a mile" the best player he played with at Old Trafford.
Kane to Man United transfer truth emerges
Manchester United have been handed an update on Harry Kane's future at Bayern Munich.
Reports earlier this year in German publication Bild claimed that Kane's current Bayern contract includes a release clause, which could have allowed him to leave for £67million in January. The report suggested that this clause will drop to £54m this summer which may pique the Reds' interest as they grapple with their goalscoring issues under Ruben Amorim.
United are in desperate need of a new striker this summer having netted just 37 times after 30 games in the league this season. Current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just 14 times for the Reds between them across all competitions.
Opinion: Amorim has Man United record in sight
Both Manchester clubs have had few things in common over the past decade.
Manchester City have won four Premier League titles in a row, while their rivals, Manchester United, have been unable to mount any sort of title challenge. City have won a domestic treble before winning a European one to match United's most dominant campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999.
The balance of power has definitely shifted in City's favour, even if they still lack the global support of their neighbours at Old Trafford. It says a lot about United's problems that even in City's worst season under Guardiola, they are still comfortably ahead of Amorim's men.
