Today’s Manchester United transfer roundup takes a look at the three biggest transfer updates doing the rounds. Ole Gunnar Solskajer wants Englishmen James Maddison and Callum Wilson, whilst Nemanja Matic has become a target for Juventus.
All in for Maddison
Report: According to reports from ESPN, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to continue his blueprint of young British players and has eyed up Leicester City star James Maddison as one of his targets. The Norwegian is expected to use the money from the Romelu Lukaku sale to fund this move, after also letting Alexis Sanchez depart, leaving his squad begging for more goals.
Verdict: For a few reasons, this transfer is believable. For example, Solskjaer has shown to invest in young talent whilst Leicester have listened to hefty offers in the past, as we saw with Maguire heading to Old Trafford for £80m. The United boss will be wary of who he splashes the cash on, as the Glazers have been known to occupy tight purse strings in recent years, however, considering Solskjaer’s aim for the club and Leicester previous willingness to sell, expect this transfer to pick up some speed over the coming month.
ESPN reported that Maddison will be valued between £70m and £80m, and although United have not given up on Jadon Sancho, it seems the Maddison deal is more likely to happen. Indeed, it is early doors in this saga, but all signs right now point to the two clubs once again doing major business.
How likely is a deal? 7/10
Wilson to come in for backup
Report: In the same report from ESPN, they claim the Red Devils will also be willing to break the bank for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, fresh from bagging a brilliant brace against Everton last weekend. It is believed that Solskjaer could use Wilson as a suitable replacement for Lukaku, with his current team lacking goals from the front men. However, the Bournemouth star recently signed a new deal with the club, which will see him stay until 2023 and no doubt increased his value on the market.
Verdict: Wilson, 27, is one year older than the Lukaku and scored 14 Premier League goals last season, as opposed to the Belgian’s 12. Although, it would be surprising to see Wilson come in as United’s first-choice centre-forward, with Solskjaer keen on making Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial his go-to men, as youngster Mason Greenwood slowly breaks into the side.
Wilson will undoubtedly be a welcomed addition at Old Trafford considering the lack of striking options they have and as Rashford and Martial scored just 20 goals league goals between them last season. But, it seems Wilson may cost too much for what United want.
How likely is a deal? 4/10
Juventus to snatch Matic
Report: Nemanja Matic has become a wanted man because of such a lack of game time this season, with The Sun reporting that Juventus are keeping a close eye on the Serbian after missing out on Paul Pogba in the summer. Matic has had to settle for a place on the bench for much of this season, starting just once. The Sun reports that the Italian champions are seeking Matic on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, although United have an option for an extra year, as per Transfermarkt.
Verdict: Truthfully, despite recent form, letting Matic go could turn out to be a bad move for a few reasons. Firstly, the sales of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini have meant fewer numbers, whilst at the same time, the future of Pogba remains uncertain. Indeed, with Scott McTominay, Fred, Matic and Pogba the only recognised out-and-out central midfielders, letting him go on a free would make little sense. However, with the lure of Juventus and Matic’s current position at United, this deal could well happen.
How likely is a deal? 7/10
