Manchester United are close to making further inroads in the transfer market, with some deals potentially completed this week. It is a crucial summer as they look to build on progress under Michael Carrick, with Champions League football adding to the schedule. Carrick needs a stronger, deeper squad and also needs to move players on. They have already strengthened with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but at least one more midfielder is expected.
Manu Kone
United are believed to have agreed personal terms with the Roma star, valued at around £50 million. Corriere dello Sport reported that United still had not made a concrete offer and are 'moving slowly'. This is said to be frustrating for Roma, who are eager for the deal to go through this month to avoid a hefty fine from UEFA. They have a settlement agreement to ensure losses do not exceed £51.25m, with a July 31 deadline.
Radek Vitek
The Czech goalkeeper impressed on loan at Bristol City last season and is set to move again. With Karl Darlow as chief back-up to Senne Lammens, Vitek could leave permanently. A return to the Championship is likely, with Middlesbrough among interested clubs. With the Championship season starting soon, a deal may be pushed through.
Joshua Zirkzee
The Dutch striker appears to have little future at Old Trafford. Carrick is evidently not keen on the 25-year-old, and United are unlikely to recoup the £36.5m paid for him in 2024. A return to Italy is likely, with Juventus reportedly interested.
Altay Bayindir
The Turkey goalkeeper has no future at the club and has been granted extra post-World Cup leave to complete his departure. He has been linked with a return to his homeland with Besiktas. Bayindir has not played for United since an error in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford in September. The team lost seven of the 17 games he started, conceding 31 goals.
Marcus Rashford
It would be a surprise if the Rashford saga concludes this week, but it is not impossible. His career is in limbo after Barcelona declined to convert his loan into a permanent deal. United are eager to get him off the wage bill but reluctant to sell to a direct rival. As it stands, Rashford will join the United squad in August unless another club makes a move.
