AFTER another lacklustre season, it looks like there’s changes coming at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side continue to under-perform and went into the January transfer window a mammoth 27 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watched his United team ruthlessly dismantled by a lowly Arsenal sideCredit: AP:Associated Press
As we head into deadline day with Bruno Fernandes now a United player, here’s the state of play with their other main targets.
James Maddison
CREATIVITY and guile is lacking in this current United side, even with Fernandes now a Red Devil.
Paul Pogba is constantly injured, Andreas Pereira is yet to really kick on in a United shirt and the less said about Jesse Lingard the better.
And as a result, Leicester star Maddison is reportedly United’s number one target this summer.
A fearless playmaker, the former Norwich and Coventry star is knocking on the door of the English team and his ascent to a Big Six club looks inevitable.
Leicester are reluctant to sell in January and it’s thought Maddison will command a fee around £60million.
With nine goals and three assists this season, Maddison is also becoming a regular in the England squadCredit: Alamy Live News
Gareth Bale
DESPITE Fernandes being in the bag, there are reports that United will swoop for former Spurs man Bale on deadline day.
Veteran Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda reckons Marcus Rashford’s injury is the key factor in their pursuit.
He told El Chiringuito TV: “The Manchester United coach, Solskjaer, has asked the board of directors to make an effort to sign Bale.
“Rashford has been injured and they want to sign him before the market closes.
“United could pay around £40million to £50m.”
The transfer fee touted by Inda would be far below the £86m Real paid for Bale back in 2013 – but is certainly higher than the free transfer to China they almost green lit in the summer.
Gareth Bale left Spurs to join Real Madrid in 2013Credit: Getty – Contributor
Boubakary Soumare
LILLE seemed happy to part with Soumare this January.
But reports suggest that the Ligue 1 side are looking for whopping £50m – and that has put potential suitors off.
Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal were revealed to be in a three-way tussle for the 20-year-old’s signature, who joined Lille on a free transfer from PSG back in 2017.
A £34m bid from Wolves was rejected last summer but now a whole host of clubs are set to scramble for his signature.
Soumare has been likened to Paul Pogba and impressed against Chelsea during the Champions League group stages.
He is yet to register a goal or an assist but has made 78 recoveries from defensive midfield so far this term.
Edinson Cavani appeared to say goodbye to PSG fans on Sunday nightCredit: Getty
Edinson Cavani
PSG striker Cavani has reportedly been the subject of interest from Man Utd and Arsenal.
The Uruguayan forward, 32, – is out of contract in the summer – but according to reports in France has decided not to move after all.
According to L’Equipe, the Uruguayan striker has decided to remain at Les Parisiens.
Reports on this side of the Channel had claimed that Cavani was considering offers from United, Arsenal and Inter Milan despite his preference being to play under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
This season has been frustrating for Cavani who has three goals from 13 games, but last term crashed in 27 in 42 matches for club and country.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
