Manchester United are still contemplating further transfers, but they will have to get their skates on. The summer transfer window closes at 17:00 hours BST on Thursday the 8th of August.
Although, according to Lee Sharpe, United were said to be interested in acquiring Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld, they’ve pulled off something of a scoop by landing Harry McGuire. But that’s not an end to their transfer aspirations. They are reportedly hoping to add three more new players to their squad.
One was already recently discussed, and that is Christian Eriksen. The latest news is that United have agreed to a contract with the Dane and that things now lie with Daniel Levy. But Levy could prove a difficult nut to crack; especially as Eriksen still has so much to offer.
The surprising news, however, is that the Red Devils have also shown last-minute interest in another Tottenham player – Fernando Llorente.
At Manchester United, the Romelu Lukaku saga has yet to draw to a close. It is well known that the big Belgian striker wants to move away from Old Trafford. But to date, no deals have been formalised. What is more, United have just fined Lukaku for training with Anderlecht, his former team over the past couple of days, instead of working out with the Man U team.
Inter Milan and Juventus are still targeting the Belgian, the former of whom have already offered £54 million for the striker. The bid was rejected but Inter’s manager, Antonio Conte, is still keen to sign the forward as he considers him to be a player, who says he could improve the team.
But the logic behind a bid for Llorente would be the fact that he could be a good interim replacement for Lukaku if and when he does finally go. For his part, Llorente hasn’t settled in fully at Tottenham with Kane (when fit) and Son (when available) being the preferred strikers.
Lucas Moura is the next preferred striker and his hat-trick and last-minute winner against Manchester City proved the point, paving the way for Spurs to reach the final of the Champions League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær has already said that he will be building United’s attack around Marcus Rashford. But with no Lukaku, Llorente would be an excellent replacement. Not only that but the 33-year-old Spaniard would bring his experience to support what is otherwise a young attack.
Llorente is now out of contract at White Hart Lane, so he would come as a free transfer.
Man United are also said to be interested in the Juventus black sheep, Sami Khedira. The 32-year-old midfielder, who also plays for the German national team is a virtual outcast at Juventus.
Khedira has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal, but the latest gossip in the pipeline is that Ole Gunnar Solskjær could well be planning a last-minute swoop. The German has rejected recent bids by the Turkish clubs Besiktas and Fenerbahce. It is thought that a move to the English Premiership, to either Arsenal or Manchester United, would be an attractive proposition for him.