Manchester United transfer news LIVE: Jadon Sancho, Ousmane Dembele, Amad Traore - plus Premier League latest
Time is running out for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to add quality before the deadline
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The situation surrounding Ousmane Dembele is fast developing. After initially appearing to be a contingency or even a rumour designed to heighten pressure on Borussia Dortmund concerning Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho interest, the French winger is now having doubts about his future at the Nou Camp. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a new winger before next Monday’s deadline that much is clear, and if Dembele is eager to move to Old Trafford, then the price and affordability will be considerably better than the Sancho deal.
Previous alternatives have been Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, while Edinson Cavani and now Luka Jovic - the Real Madrid striker who is eager to leave the Bernabeu - represent new options as No 9s. Dayot Upamecano could become available after RB Leizpig took major steps towards signing a new centre-back, is a compelling target too, but time will likely run out on such a deal. Then there have been shock talks of a move for N’Golo Kante from Chelsea - though his wages could become an issue.
Reports in Croatia suggest a £17m deal has been agreed for Dinamo Zagreb’s Josko Gvardiol, meaning Leipzig have a ready-made replacement should United capture Upamecano. While exits at Old Trafford remain intriguing with Sergio Romero a potential signing for Everton with Carlo Ancelotti unhappy with Jordan Pickford. Lazio could take Juan Mata and Andres Pereira off United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to trim down his squad. Follow all the latest news, rumours and done deals below.
DORTMUND DIRECTOR COMMENTS ON SANCHO DEVELOPMENTS
Borussia Dortmund director Michael Zorc has commented on developments surrounding Jadon Sancho’s proposed move to Manchester United.
United have been locked in talks with Borussia Dortmund over the signing of Sancho throughout the summer and into the transfer window, but the Premier League side refuse to meet Dortmund’s valuation of the player.
Today, Zorc appears to have ruled out any deal.
SOLSKJAER WANTS JAMES DEPARTURE TO FINANCE SANCHO PUSH
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sell Daniel James in order to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, ESPN understands.
United have been locked in talks with Borussia Dortmund over the signing of Sancho, but the Premier League side refuse to meet Dortmund’s valuation of the player.
ESPN now believes that boss Solskjaer wants to sanction the departure of winger James in order to meet Dortmund’s price for Sancho as the end of the transfer window nears.
It’s reported that United value James at around £25m, and should they sanction a sale, they would return to the German side with an improved bid.
BARCA DIRECTOR DENIES UNITED DEMBELE TALKS
Barcelon have denied that they are in negotiations with Manchester United over Ousmane Dembele.
United have turned to Dembele as an alternative due to their apparent failure to get a deal done for Jadon Sancho.
Multiple reports have stated that United requested a loan deal for Sancho. However the Manchester Evening News quotes Barcelona director Ramon Planes as denying any discussions are underway concerning a move for the winger.
"First of all, no negotiations with Manchester United at the moment," he said. "Completely deny that. He's a player we count on, we know his potential. We hope this year the team sees the best of him."
Dembele arrived from Borussia Dortmund three years ago, but has struggled with a plethora of injuries in his time in Spain.
UNITED MIGHT ‘REGRET’ NOT STRIKING SANCHO DEAL SAYS REDKNAPP
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp says Manchester United might regret not striking a deal for Jadon Sancho.
United have been locked in talks with Borussia Dortmund over the signing of Sancho, but the Premier League side refuse to meet Dortmund’s valuation of the player.
Redknapp believes United’s hesitancy may cost them next summer.
"If you don't sign him now who knows, he might end up going to Barcelona and you end up kicking yourself," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "I'm sure everyone would want him.
"There are times when you've got to pay up and go and buy a player, a big player.
"I know it's a lot of money but it's only in relation to when they signed Wayne Rooney, who was the best young player in the country, maybe one of the best in the world at the time.
"You had to pay top dollar for him and when you want to buy the best young players the premium is so high.
“But if you feel he's going to make the difference for you, you've got to go and get him. It's as simple as that.”
NO UNITED INTEREST IN GODFREY
Manchester United have no interest in Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey, according to The Athletic.
The Red Devils have only made a single signing during this transfer window, much to the frustration of their fans.
Donny van de Beek was signed from Ajax earlier in the transfer window.
United have been linked with numerous defenders over the course of the summer and into the transfer window, but according to The Athletic, Godfrey isn’t one of them.
The defender is highly-rated by Norwich, and it’s been reported that Newcastle and Everton have made bids for the player, but have been rejected. United may change their approach once the departure of Chris Smalling to Roma is official.
BALE WOULD’VE PREFERRED UNITED MOVE
Gareth Bale reportedly wanted to join Manchester United instead of returning to Spurs, but felt he could no longer wait on the club to table an offer, according to The Daily Mail.
Bale emerged as an alternative to Jadon Sancho earlier in the transfer window, as the Welshman wanted to leave Real Madrid after seven years.
Bale eventually returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan, however The Mail reports the 31-year-old had hoped on a move to Old Trafford instead.
Manchester United were reportedly interested in bringing Bale to the club, but a formal offer was never presented to Real Madrid, and The Mail reports that once Tottenham had made a move for Bale, he could no longer wait for United, and so agreed to return to the club he left seven years ago.
SANCHO MOVE LOOKING INCREASINGLY UNLIKELY
Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United looks highly unlikely, unless they raise their offer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
United have been deadlocked in talks with Borussia Dortmund for weeks, but the two sides can’t agree on a fee for the English winger.
Romano now states that the move looks unlikely in this transfer window.
UNITED TARGET GOES AWOL
Manchester United target Facundo Pellistri has reportedly gone AWOL in an attempt to force through a move to the Premier League.
The youngster, who plays for Uruguayan side Penarol, had been on the verge of a move to Lyon, before the deal collapsed.
Now it’s emerged that United have also entered the fray to sign the 18-year-old. Penarol are unwilling to let the player leave, and according to Uruguayan outlet Ovacion, this has led Pellistri to take matters into his own hands, going AWOL in an attempt to force a move.
Pellistri, a winger, now faces a huge club fine, and has also broken Uruguay’s COVID-19 quarantine laws in the process.
POGBA GIVES DEMBELE ADVICE
Paul Pogba has reportedly outlined why Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele should join Manchester United on loan.
Dembele has emerged as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Pogba rang his compatriot to outline why he should join him at Old Trafford.
Pogba reportedly told Dembele that he should make the move to Old Trafford in order to secure first-team football, with Euro 2021 around the corner.
Furthermore, the United midfielder reportedly told Dembele that with French speakers Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial already at the club, the player won’t feel isolated.
SMALLING MEETING UNDERWAY
Roma and intermediaries representing Manchester United are currently in talks over the signing of Chris Smalling.
Fabrizio Romano reports that talks are ongoing today, with a new bid expected to arrive from the Roman club in the region of €16m.
Roma have once again asked for Diogo Dalot on loan according to Romano, but United would like a permanent deal.
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