It’s already been a busy summer on the transfer front for Manchester United, with the club confirming two new additions to their squad.
Brazilian midfielder Fred was announced as United’s first new arrival at Old Trafford after the club secured a £47 million deal for the Shakhtar Donestk midfielder.
United will hope that the ankle injury Fred picked during training with Brazil isn’t too serious and that the 25-year-old is given the opportunity to shine at the World Cup.
(Speaking of the World Cup, make sure you check out our World Cup 2018 preview (a Manchester United perspective) here).
Teenage right-back Diogo Dalot’s became Jose Mourinho’s second summer signing when he agreed a £19m move from Porto.
Dalot was described by Mourinho as “the best full-back in Europe for his age” and he will provide welcome competition for Antonio Valencia next season.
The Red Devils have been linked with numerous other players this summer, with Mourinho expected to add at least two more to his squad.
Read on as we look at some of United’s remaining summer transfer targets.
Toby Alderweireld – Tottenham
Mourinho is desperate to sign a top-class centre-back and Alderweireld is his number one choice.
The Belgium international has refused to sign a new deal at Tottenham, meaning his release clause will be just £25m in a year’s time.
That has left Spurs looking to cash in now on the defender, although time is running out to complete a deal before the World Cup gets underway.
Alderweireld is believed to want £150,000-per-week, but that could be money well-spent if helps to shore up United’s backline.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is notorious for his tough negotiations skills, and if Belgium do perform well as the World Cup betting offers suggest, his transfer fee will only go higher. Levy is banking on that, so this saga may not concluded until we’re at the start of the new season.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Lazio
United have been linked with Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic for much of this summer, although a £90m asking price is proving to be a stumbling block.
The 23-year-old would be a superb addition to United’s midfield alongside Fred and his possible arrival could cast doubt over the future of Paul Pogba.
The Red Devils are believed to have had a £80m bid for the Serbian international rejected by Lazio, but it seems likely that a compromise will be found.
Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
Bale was widely expected to leave Madrid this summer, but Zinedine Zidane’s exit from the club has complicated matters.
The Welshman had a frustrating time at the Bernabeu last season and he is at a stage of his career where he wants a regular starting role.
His wonder goal against Liverpool in the Champions League final highlighted his quality and he could be the stardust that Mourinho’s side need to be able to challenge for the title next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
It wouldn’t be summer without rumours linking Ronaldo with a return to United circulating, but there are reasons to believe it could happen this time.
Talks between Ronaldo and Madrid over a new contract have stalled and his comments after the Champions League final were a sign that all is not well between him and the club.
A move to China has been suggested as one possibility, but the 33-year-old still has the talent to play at the top level. What better place to do that than at Manchester United?
