Man Utd transfer roundup: Upamecano and Skriniar updates as goalkeeper targeted

Manchester United face a race against time before the start of the Premier League season.

A number of areas in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad arguably need filling, and with less than two weeks until the start of the season they will be eager to get their transfer business done as soon as possible.

While the window runs until October 5, United will want to ensure that they have a sense of continuity and stability in the squad prior to the start of a hectic 2020/21 campaign. To an extent, they have that already with a settled core group of players.

Yet building a squad that can challenge across an entire season will be the main point of interest for Solskjaer and the Red Devils’ hierarchy. A slight drop-off towards the end of last season perhaps illustrated the need for a strong and competitive squad rather than just a starting XI.

Here is your Manchester United transfer round-up.

Upamecano ‘will not join’ this summer

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano will reportedly not move to Old Trafford this summer.

According to Sky Sports, United have no intention of buying the 21-year-old in this transfer window as they look for defensive reinforcements.

However, the report also states that United should not be ruled out of making a move for the centre-back next summer after another season of development. It is believed that the Red Devils have scouted Upamecano and have been impressed by his performances.

A decision not to swoop for Upamecano could pave the way for alternative signings who could put genuine first-team pressure on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, or the return of Chris Smalling from a loan spell with Roma.

United want ‘more information’ on Inter defender

United are reportedly interested in scouting Milan Skriniar further this summer as they eye further defensive options at the back.

According to reports, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils have asked for further information on the defender who has already attracted interest from Jose Mourinho’s Spurs.

While there has been no concrete movement from United as of yet, Spurs are believed to have cooled their interest in the highly-rated central defender.

Despite reports of Skriniar having a difficult working relationship with Antonio Conte, the defender has not shown any signs of wanting to leave the Serie A club in this transfer window.

Villa interested in Romero transfer

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing third-choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero in this transfer window.

The Athletic reports that the 33-year-old has attracted interest from the Midlands club and could be available as a result of Dean Henderson’s return to Old Trafford.

Given that United have previously been linked with Jack Grealish, interest in Romero could possibly spark negotiations of a part-exchange deal between the two clubs.

Although Grealish would obviously cost much more than the goalkeeper, he could act as a good bargaining tool in negotiations with Villa.