Transfer News

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly preparing to introduce a “Cristiano Ronaldo rule” which will see salaries limited to £200,000-a-week.The Red Devils’ most recent annual wage bill was around £228m – the biggest in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo was earning nearly £500,000-a-week at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
David de Gea will see his wages slashed dramatically if he signs a new dealCredit: Getty
Before Ronaldo’s departure to Al-Nassr, he was earning a staggering £480,000-a-week, while keeper David de Gea is still raking in £375k every seven days.
However, according to The Mail, chief executive Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag are set to employ a squad-wide pay cap in order to avoid a culture of jealousy in the dressing room.
And that means De Gea, who is out of contract this summer, will be offered a new deal in the region of £180,000-£200,000-a-week.
The Spanish keeper, who has been at Old Trafford since 2011, revealed last week his belief that talks with the club will end in a “good way”, but this new wage reduction could dampen that optimism.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Bruno Fernandes signed a new five-year deal back in April and is believed to be earning within the pay bracket.
Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Casemiro are said to be on similar salaries.
And the Man Utd players have wage sanctions written into their contracts for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Luke Shaw, whose deal expires in 2024, will reportedly be offered a wage packet in the same range.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
However, this self-imposed cap will make it difficult to tie down Marcus Rashford.
It was reported in the summer that Paris Saint-Germain were willing to pay the England international a staggering £850,000-a-week to bring him to the club.
That would more than quadruple his current weekly wage which stands at £200k.
United did trigger an extension in his deal earlier this season to keep him until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
But they will still be eager to secure a long-term contract given his recent form.
Rashford already has 13 goals and six assists in 24 appearances for Ten Hag’s side this season. More

MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a transfer blow in their bid to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.United are keeping tabs on Sommer during the January transfer window amid doubts over David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann SommerCredit: Getty
Gladbach insist Manchester United target Yann Sommer won’t leaveCredit: Getty
The Red Devils, though, are facing intense competition from Bayern Munich who are looking for someone to fill in for Manuel Neuer, who broke his leg in a skiing accident.
But Gladbach director Roland Virkus insists the Switzerland international, who is also targeted by Inter Milan, won’t be allowed to leave the Borussia-Park mid-season..
Virkus told the Rheinische Post: “We will not let Yann Sommer go in January. We have also informed Bayern.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Bayern have taken the message and will consider recalling Alexander Nubel from his loan stint at Monaco.
Read More on Man Utd
Romano tweeted: “Sommer remains a target for Inter as a free agent for June.
“FC Bayern will now focus on Alex Nubel deal with Monaco.”
United are preparing a contingency plan in case De Gea doesn’t sign a new contract in June when his current deal runs out.
However, recent reports suggest the Spain international is willing to accept a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
The Red Devils have the option to extend De Gea’s 12-year stay but are having doubts due to his huge salary.
The Manchester giants will instead enter into discussions with the Spaniard and his representatives “in an attempt to persuade him to pen fresh terms on reduced wages”.
But the shot-stopper is prepared to accept the salary cut in order to stay.
That would save United the trouble of signing a new goalkeeper especially after landing Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace. More

MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst. The Dutch hitman, 30, is currently on loan at Turkish side Besiktas. 
Manchester United are targeting Burnley’s Wout WeghorstCredit: Getty
Wout Weghorst appeared to bid farewell to Besiktas, where he plays on loanCredit: Rex
But that deal could be cut short to take him to Old Trafford. 
Erik Ten Hag is in need of a striker following the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract. 
A loan move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix has been considered but United are refusing to meet the Spanish side’s asking price. 
Atletico want a £13.5million loan fee, with Felix’s £6m wages also needing to be covered.
Read More on Man Utd
And Weghorst, who scored a stunning late equaliser against Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final, has emerged as an alternative. 
The centre-forward has already amassed nine goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions with Besiktas.
One of those strikes came today against Kasimpasa – and was followed by a huge hint it could be his last.
Weghorst was seen kissing the Besiktas badge before appearing to wave goodbye to fans, suggested a move to Old Trafford is very much on the cards.
Most read in Football

BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
The Netherlands international struggled for Burnley during the second half of last season.
The ex-Wolfsburg star couldn’t save the Clarets from relegation but still registered two goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
United boss Ten Hag needs a striker to boost his team’s top-four hopes.
The Red Devils are currently fourth with the same points as third-placed Newcastle. More