Racing Santander have made it clear that Manchester United target Jorge Salinas will only be sold if his £13.7million release clause is met. The 19-year-old defender has been on the Reds' radar this summer.
Barcelona's offer rejected
Salinas has established himself as a promising prospect in Europe and is attracting attention, including from Barcelona, who reportedly offered just over £5m for him. That offer was quickly rejected, with Santander pointing to the release clause. Any United approach below that figure would meet the same response.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Santander sporting director Chema Aragon has made it clear that clubs must pay the release clause or miss out. He admitted: "There is nothing we can do if a big star appears."
Versatility and United's need
Salinas has impressed with his versatility in the backline, playing both central defender and left-back. That would benefit United, where Luke Shaw is the only out-and-out left-back. While Shaw played in every Premier League match last season, his injury history remains a concern.
Salinas would also provide cover for Lisandro Martinez, who has had injury issues over the last two seasons. United have also been linked with Newcastle's Lewis Hall, but the Magpies have made him untouchable. Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini is another option, capable of playing central defence, left-back, and central midfield. Chelsea are also interested, and United scouts watched him in Atalanta's latest pre-season match.
United's summer business
United have focused on midfield, signing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Aurelien Tchouameni and Manu Kone of Roma continue to be linked. Pre-season continues on Saturday against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, followed by friendlies against Leeds United in Dublin and AC Milan in Wroclaw.
