After a stuttering summer in the transfer market, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been able to bring in just two players – Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku. Here, FantasySports.co.uk take a look at 5 players who could yet line up in a United shirt come the start of the new English Premier League season :
ERIC DIER (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
Dier has been on the radar of Jose Mourinho for a while now, eager to bring another option to the defensive midfielder role currently held by Ander Herrara, with aging club Captain Michael Carrick playing less and less. Dier likes the idea of a move to Old Trafford, but his boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep him at Tottenham. Another problem is the fee that Tottenham will likely want – expected to be around £50 million, with United only wanting to pay half that amount. But Tottenham need cash and are well stocked in this position, so this deal could very well happen.
IVAN PERISIC (INTER MILAN)
Inter Milan’s Croatian winger has apparently agreed personal terms with United, and Jose Mourinho had hoped to conclude this deal so that Perisic could join them in America for their three week tour. But Inter Milan have dug their heels in and are now claiming that Perisic is staying at the San Siro. This seems to be about the fee more than anything else, with United looking to pay around £45 million, but the Italians wanting in excess of £50m. Much will depend on whether Perisic actually puts in a transfer request to his current employers, as they claim he has expressed no desire to them to leave for United or anywhere else.
RADJA NAINGGOLAN (AS ROMA)
Roma have publicly declared that their Belgian midfielder is not for sale. But United will look to test their resolve with a £40 million cash bid. Inter Milan have also been sniffing around Nainggolan, but Roma would rather sell him to a non Serie A team rather than strength a league opponent. Roma are also short of funds, and could well see such a large offer as a chance to fund several incoming players as they look to rebuild and expend their squad. Nainggolan himself has said he is open to a move this summer – expect United to pile on the pressure here should Tottenham continue to be obstinate in their valuation of Dier.
SERGE AURIER (PARIS ST GERMAIN)
Ivory Coast right back Aurier, 24, struggled to keep his place in the PSG side last season, and with the arrival of Dani Alves, now will look for a move to get (more) regular first team action. United had Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian in this position last season, but Mourinho wants to strengthen in this area and have more options. Aurier could be a relatively straight forward deal, although United could face competition from neighbours Manchester City should they not be able to bring in Tottenham’s Kyle Walker.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (FREE AGENT)
After the horrible cruciate ligament injury suffered whilst playing for United in their Europa Cup semi final against Anderlecht towards the end of last season, Ibrahimovic left Old Trafford with United not opting to extend his contract on the basis of the extent of his injury, despite a hugely successful season where he lead the team with 28 goals and endeared himself to the United fans with his passion and commitment in a United shirt. However, such has been the recovery of Ibrahimovic, as he continues his recovery and recuperating process at United’s training HQ, that United are now seriously considering offering him a new contract. Ibrahimovic himself has promised a ‘huge announcement’ soon after meeting his agent in Manchester recently. Despite United having brought in Lukaku, Wayne Rooney has left, so they find themselves with fewer attacking options than they would like – and bringing back ‘Ibra’ would be immensely popular with the Old Trafford faithful – even if his playing time is much lessened than last season.