Manchester United have confirmed the news we’ve all been expected and announced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their new permanent manager, after an incredible spell as caretaker.
The Old Trafford side still have a chance at the top-four push to play for this season even though most UK betting sites are showing that the odds are against them, but the club will be lining up a few summer targets regardless, as they move to back the new manager.
A couple of names have already been linked and we’ve taken a look at who they could snare.
Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona
Former Liverpool forward Coutinho has failed to set the world on fire at Camp Nou and United are understood to have held a long-standing interest in the Brazilian.
Barca are not necessarily keen to offload the attacker, but reports in Catalonia have indicated they could use Coutinho as a makeweight to bring in United’s Marcus Rashford.
If allowing Rashford to head to Barcelona is the only way United can bring in Coutinho they may opt against a move, leaving Solskjaer to look elsewhere for forwards and leading us on nicely to the next contender.
Joao Felix, Benfica
Benfica are understandably keen to keep hold of teenager Joao Felix, but he has a release clause in his deal – albeit one set at a mammoth 120million euros – and they may be powerless to prevent an exit.
Felix hasn’t given any indication he wants to move on, but his head could be turned by a bid from Old Trafford. The 19-year-old has been dubbed the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’ by the Portuguese press and the chance to follow in the superstar’s footsteps may appeal – although United will have to act quickly, as Benfica hope to tie him down to a new deal and an even bigger release fee.
Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona
Coutinho may be out of reach but his Barcelona team-mate Umtiti could be an achievable target. The Frenchman doesn’t want to leave the Catalan giants, but Barca are open to offers and the decision could be taken out of his hands.
Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
Another option at centre-half is French ace Varane, as he looks destined to depart Real Madrid over the summer.
The World Cup winner reportedly wants a new challenge and United look the most likely of his potential suitors, although he is under contract until 2022 and won’t come cheap.
Declan Rice, West Ham
A host of young English players have emerged on the United radar of late, including Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and West Ham’s Rice may be the most likely to head to Manchester.
Borussia Dortmund have ruled out a move for Sancho, Chelsea won’t want to sanction Hudson-Odoi’s sale to a key rival despite his contract situation, but West Ham may struggle to resist a big bid for Rice – particularly if the midfielder pushes for a move.
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