Manchester United: Pogba latest; Monaco star linked; new contract for youngster

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The transfer saga of the summer has no doubts about it – it’s Paul Pogba’s potential move to Old Trafford. However, the latest development is not a positive one for the Red Devils as Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri claims that Pogba will stay in Turin to win the Champions League, according to the Mail. This follows reports that the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, who also represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, has put no deadline on a potential move.

Signals from Pogba have been quite mixed, with no indication of whether or not the midfielder is keen on the £100 million move. Following reports earlier in the summer that he preferred a move to Spain, it may well be a case of waiting in the hope that Real Madrid find a way to match Manchester United’s offer, though this seems increasingly unlikely, or waiting to see if Jose Mourinho is successful in returning the Red Devils to the Champions League this season.

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A potential alternative, and a different marquee signing, would be that of James Rodriguez. Marca have reported that Manchester United, alongside Chelsea and West Ham, are keen on a move for the attacking midfielder.

Such a move may make little sense for the Manchester club, having only recently signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan to play a similar role, and it could effectively bank role a move for Real Madrid to sign their top transfer target, Paul Pogba. That said, at just over £60 million, he is certainly a cheaper alternative to Pogba and would provide another big name signing should the club suffer the embarrassment of failing to bring Pogba to Old Trafford after pricing all rivals out of a move for the Frenchman.

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There could also be some major changes at the back as Mourinho starts pre-season with his new side, with one incoming and one outgoing being reported this weekend. The outgoing could be Argentinean defender Marcos Rojo, linked with a loan move to Spanish side Villarreal by the Mirror, as the Spanish side prepare for Champions League football. With Mateo Musacchio set to sign for AC Milan and Rojo struggling to retain a first team place before the recovery of Luke Shaw and signing of Eric Bailly, a move for Rojo would make sense for all parties.

A potential incoming could be Monaco’s right back Fabinho, according to the Sun. The Brazilian shares an agent with Jose Mourinho, Jorge Mendes, and has shone for the south coast French club over recent seasons. The 22 year old has four caps and is currently behind Dani Alves in the Brazilian pecking order, but has previously enjoyed a loan spell at Real Madrid under Mourinho in 2013. His signing would tighten up the right hand side of defence and provide competition for the likes of Matteo Darmian.

Elsewhere, the Portuguese manager remains keen to prove doubters wrong regarding his use of young players, and has been heavily linked with West Ham starlet Reece Oxford, according to the Mirror. Alongside their city rivals and Tottenham, United scouts were watching Oxford play in the European u19s Championships for England this week, with the club reportedly keen to make a move before the Hammers tie him down on an extended contract.

They have reportedly already turned down a £10 million from German side Red Bull Leipzig, but with a reputation as one of the brightest young English talents, Oxford may favour a move to stay in the Premier League and work under Jose Mourinho.

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There could also be a new contract in the offing for youth product Jesse Lingard. The Daily Star claim that talks had begun at the end of last season, but Louis Van Gaal’s dismissal put a halt to these talks. Now, the club are prepared to increase his wages from £25,000 a week to £40,000 a week in a bid to ward off interest from the likes of Tottenham.

Lingard proves vital in terms of qualifying as a homegrown player, which will certainly help should there be European football at Old Trafford again in 2017, and the youngster has undoubted potential, which makes him an exciting option to use from the bench.

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