Man Utd transfer round-up: Bournemouth man on radar as Barca ‘enquiry’ is made

Manchester United have been very quiet in the transfer market this summer, with their sole signing of the window being Netherlands international midfielder Donny van de Beek

Manchester United ’s pursuit of a right-winger rumbles on, with Borussia Dortmund man Jadon Sancho remaining a priority.

But interest in alternatives has picked up pace in recent weeks, with the likes of Ismaïla Sarr linked, as well as Welsh and French internationals.

Following the club’s 3-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace, there has also been an outcry for a central defender – not only from supporters but players too. Luke Shaw called on the club to make further additions, in order to give a squad whose 2019/20 campaign ended in August some new life.

Here is the latest Manchester United transfer round-up on Tuesday 22nd September.

United move to front of the queue in pursuit of Bournemouth man

Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks could seal a move to Manchester United by the end of the transfer window, according to MEN Sport.

The 23-year-old has just under two years remaining on his contract at the Vitality Stadium and impressed during his two seasons in the top flight with the south coast club, despite injuries limiting him to just nine appearances last year.

Brooks had been subject to interest from Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City, however the Foxes have secured Cengiz Under from Roma in recent days, meaning a move for Brooks now appears unlikely.

That has opened the door for United to become favourites to sign the Warrington-born winger, but a £40million asking price may still pose problems.

United legend and Wales boss Ryan Giggs rates the playmaker highly, singling him out as one of the better players in his squad over recent international breaks.

Giggs’ influence and the 23-year-old’s links to the area could prove to be a factor in Brooks’ decision, but until a formal bid is placed he will remain a Bournemouth player.

Suárez leaving on a free, but not to United

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suárez’s likely Barcelona exit is turning into one of the transfer sagas of this window.

The Uruguayan has been deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou under new coach Ronald Koeman and is set to leave the club for free.

That said, he cannot join a list of top clubs for free, as stipulated in the terms of his contract with the Catalan giants. Manchester United – albeit not in the market for the striker – are one of those clubs forbidden from snagging the 33-year-old on a free transfer.

Alongside United on Barcelona’s ‘do not sell’ list are Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, indicating the Catalans still believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to be one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses.

It looks as though Suárez will join Atletico Madrid, after a projected move to Juventus broke down over claims he cheated in his attempts to secure an Italian passport.

Any move to United would have been unlikely even without the free transfer ban given Suárez’s history, having racially abused Patrice Evra back in 2011.

United enquire about Barcelona winger

Highly-rated France forward Ousmane Dembélé is reportedly subject to interest from Manchester United as the club look to secure a winger with European and international pedigree during this window.

The Barcelona man and France international is believed to be available, but only at a set price, quoted as €100million by the Daily Record.

Dembélé has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Barcelona but has enjoyed prolific spells with Stade Rennais and Borussia Dortmund in the past.

United have held initial talks with Barcelona over a possible deal, with a loan move suggested. However, the Spanish club are insistent on an obligation-to-buy be included in any loan deal for the winger.

A bid is yet to be lodged and the two clubs remain far apart in their valuation of the 23-year-old, with United’s preference being a loan deal without a purchase requirement.

Dembélé joined Barcelona for €105million in 2017 and the club, while needing to reduce their wage bill, appear intent on recouping most of that fee in any potential sale.