Transfers

Man United Told To Sell Marcus Rashford For One Reason

Manchester United are looking forward to a new era under Portuguese tactician Ruben Amori, as reported by Manchester Evening News

The 39-year-old has arrived at Old Trafford with a stellar reputation from his time at Sporting, and excitement is building ahead of his first game in charge. First up for Amorim will be a trip to Ipswich Town on November 24 (kick-off: 4:30pm) after the international break.

And he will need to make plenty of decisions if he wants to get United back to the top of English and European football. The former Braga boss will inherit a side that sits 13th in the top-flight table, although just three points off Chelsea in third.

Below, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at what United’s new manager should do in his task to restore the Reds to their former glory…

Sign Gyokeres

Manchester United and Viktor Gyokeres seem like a match made in heaven, judging by the Swedish striker’s form at Sporting under Amorim. Transferring that level to Old Trafford won’t be easy of course, but it’s clear that United’s new boss was able to get the best out of a player who could significantly strengthen the Reds.

Will he want to join a team that looks far from Premier League title challengers though? The attraction of reuniting with Amorim is one thing but any top player will want to play for a club competing for the game’s biggest prizes, something the Reds are far off from doing right now.

There’s also the issue of being able to fund a deal with PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) needing to be carefully considered. The next point could help in that respect though…

Sell Rashford

There are several reasons why selling Marcus Rashford may benefit United. Due to his homegrown status, his sale would represent pure profit, giving the Reds some flexibility with PSR to sign Gyokeres, for example.

There is also a debate over whether he would fit into Amorim’s team. The academy graduate is not a No 10 or a wing-back and has never convinced as a striker.

Also, is he good enough to help United compete for Premier League and Champions League titles? The jury is still very much out on that one.

Kerkez deal

Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising left-backs with his performances this season playing a key role in the Cherries’ rise under Andoni Iraola.

United are in need of a left-sided full-back with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia struggling with injuries. A wing-back may also be needed in Amorim’s potential 3-4-3 and the Hungarian fits the bill on both counts.

Kerkez only joined Bournemouth last summer, though, where he signed a long-term contract. Agreeing a deal, therefore, is likely to be difficult, particularly with United’s PSR considerations, but he would be a shrewd signing.

Manchester Evening News

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Transfers

Liverpool Star Agrees Five-Year Deal With Real Madrid

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will hope to see his side get their season back on track when they face Everton in the Merseyside derby at the start of April.

The Reds had been in contention to complete a remarkable quadruple at the turn of the year, but exits from the FA Cup and Champions League – as well as a Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United – mean Slot’s side can now only win the Premier League title.

At present the Reds sit 12 points clear at the top of the table, although that lead could be reduced to nine points if Arsenal beat Fulham on April 1, one day before the Merseyside derby takes place at Anfield.

Much of the talk surrounding Liverpool this season has been in relation to the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom are set to be out of contract this summer.

Now, it appears that one of the three players has agreed a free transfer to Spain this summer.

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, full-back Alexander-Arnold has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of a move to the Spanish capital this summer.

The 26-year-old is a product of Liverpool’s youth system and has been a regular for the Merseyside club for several years now.

His next appearance will be his 350th for the club across all competitions, but Tavolieri claims that the player’s proposed free transfer to Real is ‘settled’.

Tavolieri claims that the England international is expected to join the Spanish champions in July, having agreed a five-year deal with the club.

He also claims that the Englishman will be in line for a significant pay rise when he joins Real, with the full-back set to earn around £240,000-per-week from the start of next season.

Transfers

Man United List Rashford, Nines Others To Quit Old Trafford For New Players

Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a huge clear-out this summer with at least 10 departures on the cards.

It is no secret that the club’s new ownership and manager Ruben Amorim are looking to overhaul the squad after another desperately disappointing campaign.

The Manchester Evening News claim United are looking to permanently sell the trio of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho.

All three players are currently on loan at other clubs after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.

And the money made from those sales will be put towards signing a new proven goalscorer.

Rashford has impressed since joining Villa on loan in January but it seems the damage is done in terms of his future at the club after a public falling out with Amorim.

Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for £20-25m but it has been revealed they could pay United £5million in compensation in order to avoid doing so.

Antony has also has somewhat of a career revival since joining Real Betis but there looks to be no way back for him too.

Veteran midfielder Casemiro will also be put up for sale as United look to raise funds for new signings.

Fellow experienced players Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are expected to announce their retirements at the end of the season while Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are set to be released.

The Red Devils are also believed to be in the market for a new winger with a host of attacking talents set to depart.

The prospect of no European football also puts United in a position to trim their squad with both the Europa League and Champions League guaranteeing at least eight more games in a season.

The future of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at next year’s World Cup.

Transfers

Chelsea Launch Transfer Bid For Bellingham

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer to sign Sunderland’s rising star Jobe Bellingham.

The Blues have made a habit of investing in young talent as part of their long-term strategy, and the midfielder has emerged as a prime target to bolster Enzo Maresca’s midfield options.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, had previously shown a preference for a move abroad. However, Chelsea’s fresh offer appears to have altered the situation significantly.

“I left Arsenal because my wife told me she wanted to get out of London – then six months later she told me to go BACK!” – which Arsenal legend instantly regretted leaving?

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Bellingham, but Chelsea’s bid could now put them firmly in the driving seat. Sunderland, meanwhile, are hoping to keep hold of their young star, particularly if they achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.

With Bellingham contracted until 2028, the Championship side holds a strong position in negotiations – while it’s not clear whether he’d be open to a switch to west London.

FootballTransfers previously reported that Sunderland have a gentleman’s agreement in place, allowing Bellingham to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, which is believed to be in the region of £20million.

Unlike his brother who is deployed as a No.10 at Los Blancos, the younger Bellingham operates more as a traditional box-to-box midfielder.