Manchester United are bracing for a £43m bid from Galatasaray for captain Bruno Fernandes, while Barcelona maintain contact with Marcus Rashford's representatives, as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad before the Premier League opener against Hull City.
Carrick's squad under pressure
The squad's need for improvement was exposed in Saturday's 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, where Carrick's men were beaten by his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. So far this summer, only three senior signings have arrived: Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m, Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his Leeds United contract expired, and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m.
Speculation is also growing over major exits, with two of the club's star players at the centre of transfer talk.
Rashford's future remains uncertain
Rashford's future has been a hot topic all summer after he returned to United following a loan spell at Barcelona. The 28-year-old impressed in patches in La Liga, but Barcelona declined to make the move permanent for £26m, instead signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £70m and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund.
Fresh reports suggest Barcelona haven't given up entirely. TEAMtalk claims they maintain dialogue with Rashford's representatives and, despite completing a raft of attacking acquisitions, continue to evaluate their options and could still attempt a sensational return. Rashford rejoined United's training on August 9 after his displays for England at the World Cup and featured in the loss to AC Milan.
Galatasaray prepare Fernandes bid
United are preparing for Galatasaray to launch a pursuit for Fernandes, according to the Mirror. The Telegraph reports the Turkish club are prepared to double his salary and table £43m for his signature.
However, numerous sources indicate United will promptly reject the approach and any subsequent offer, viewing their captain as off-limits. His £55.6m release clause for overseas clubs expired in July. BBC Sport states Galatasaray would be wasting their efforts, and Juventus and AC Milan have also been mooted as potential suitors. Fernandes' current deal runs until 2027, with an option to extend by a further year.
