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Manchester United transfer rumours: Who could join this summer? Rating every possible signing

Sports Mole rounds up every player linked with joining Manchester United this summer, and rates the chances of each possible incoming actually happening.

Manchester United have been busy during this summer's transfer window, with the club making four signings to boost their squad for the 2024-25 campaign.

The Red Devils announced on July 14 that they had signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, with the Netherlands international becoming the first acquisition of the INEOS era.

The club then confirmed a deal for Leny Yoro, with the centre-back completing his move from Lille on July 18, before Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrived from Bayern Munich.

Under the guidance of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club have been targeting young players this summer, and their budget will have been boosted by their FA Cup final success, which allowed them to secure a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.

Man United have removed two huge salaries from their budget this summer, with French duo Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial both departing the club on free transfers.

Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Fernandez, Facundo Pellistri, Donny van de Beek, Hannibal Mejbri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been sold.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours when it comes to incomings at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.


Goalkeepers

None.

Defenders

Jarrad Branthwaite (21yo | £36mm | Everton | Verdict: Very unlikely: | Latest update)
Milos Kerkez (20yo | £17m | Bournemouth | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Trevoh Chalobah (24yo | £11m | Chelsea | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Ousmane Diomande (20yo | £35m | Sporting Lisbon | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Ronald Araujo (25yo | £59.6m | Barcelona | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Antonio Silva (20yo | £38.3m | Benfica | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Marc Guehi (23yo | £32m | Crystal Palace | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Goncalo Inacio (22yo | £38m | Sporting Lisbon | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Ben Chilwell (27yo | £23.7m | Chelsea | Verdict: Unlikely | Latest update)
Jonathan Tah (28yo | £25.2m | Bayer Leverkusen | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Mario Hermoso (29yo | £21.4m | free agent | Verdict: Unlikely | Latest update)


Midfielders

Frenkie de Jong (27yo | £59.6m | Barcelona | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Fermin Lopez (21yo | £25.3m | Barcelona | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Morten Hjulmand (24yo | £33.8m | Sporting Lisbon | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Edson Alvarez (26yo | £29.5m | West Ham | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Ademola Lookman (26yo | £33.9m | Atalanta BC | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Adrien Rabiot (29yo | £29.6m | Juventus | Verdict: Unlikely | Latest update)
Manuel Ugarte (23yo | £38m | Paris Saint-Germain | Verdict: Very likely | Latest update)
Joshua Kimmich (29yo | £42m | Bayern | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Xavi Simons (21yo | £68.8m | Paris Saint-Germain | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Viktor Tsygankov (26yo | £25.8m | Girona | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Ederson (25yo | £34.4m | Atalanta BC | Verdict: Unikely | Latest update)


Strikers

Matheus Cunha (25yo | £38.4m | Wolves | Verdict: Very unikely | Latest update)
Ollie Watkins (28yo | £55.3m | Aston Villa | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Jonathan David (24yo | £42.3m | Lille | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (25yo | £18.6m | Everton | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Dan Ndoye (23yo | £11.9m | Bologna | Verdict: Very unlikely | Latest update)
Brian Brobbey (22yo | £29.6m | Ajax | Verdict: Unlikely | Latest update)
Ivan Toney (28yo | £43m | Brentford | Verdict: Unlikely | Latest update)
Raheem Sterling (29yo | £29.4m | Chelsea | Verdict: Likely | Latest update)


Man United transfer targets in depth

Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on April 6, 2024© Reuters

Current club: Everton
Age: 21
Position: Centre-back
Rumoured asking price: £80m
Transfer value: £36m
Career appearances: 115
Career goals: 9

Honours


  • KNVB Cup (1): 2022-23

  • European Under-21 Championship (1): 2023

  • Branthwaite is believed to be Man United's leading centre-back target this summer, with the 21-year-old impressing for the Toffees during the 2023-24 campaign.

    The Englishman is thought to be valued by Everton in the region of £80m, so there will have to be a drop in price if the club are to sign him.

    Man United are believed to have launched an opening offer of £35m, which has been turned down, with the two clubs still some way apart when it comes to their valuations.

    On Sunday, it was reported that the 20-time English champions are preparing to launch a fresh offer for Branthwaite, with the Red Devils determined to sign him.

    Our verdict: Likely


    Joao Neves

    Benfica's Joao Neves on April 11, 2024© Reuters

    Current club: Benfica
    Age: 19
    Position: Central midfield
    Rumoured asking price: £102m
    Transfer value: £38.3m
    Career appearances: 75
    Career goals: 4

    Honours


  • Primeira Liga (1): 2022-23

  • Supertaca Candido de Oliveira (1): 2023

  • Neves is viewed as one of the best young talents in European football, and the 19-year-old is being heavily linked with a move to Man United during this summer's transfer window.

    However, a move is complicated by the fact that Benfica are allegedly unprepared to sell him for less than his release clause, which stands at €120m (£102m).

    Portugal boss Roberto Martinez recently said that Neves had the quality to represent a team of Man United's ilk.

    Our verdict: Unlikely


    Milos Kerkez

    Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez pictured in November 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Bournemouth
    Age: 20
    Position: Left-back
    Rumoured asking price: £40m
    Transfer value: £17m
    Career appearances: 117
    Career goals: 5

    Man United are believed to have identified Kerkez as a left-back option this summer, with the club looking to bring in competition for Luke Shaw during the 2024-25 campaign.

    Kerkez, 20, impressed for Bournemouth in his first season in the Premier League, but the Cherries are not under any pressure to sell, and a deal is unlikely at this stage.

    Our verdict: Unlikely


    Trevoh Chalobah

    Trevoh Chalobah in action for Chelsea in July 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Chelsea
    Age: 24
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £25m
    Transfer value: £11m
    Career appearances: 200
    Career goals: 10

    Honours


  • FA Cup (1): 2017-18

  • UEFA Super Cup (1): 2021

  • FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2021

  • UEFA European Under-19 Championship (1): 2017

  • Man United are allegedly considering making a move for Chelsea defender Chalobah during this summer's transfer window, with the Englishman potentially available for around £25m.

    Chalobah only made 17 appearances for the Blues during the 2023-24 season, and his London club are believed to be willing to entertain offers for him this summer.

    Our verdict: Unlikely


    Matheus Cunha

    Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring their first goal on November 27, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
    Age: 25
    Position: Attacker
    Rumoured asking price: £60m
    Transfer value: £38.4m
    Career appearances: 234
    Career goals: 55

    Honours


  • Summer Olympics (1): 2020

  • Toulon Tournament (1): 2019

  • Cunha is believed to have emerged as a £60m transfer target for Man United, with the Red Devils bidding to bring at least one attacker to Old Trafford this summer.

    The Brazilian, who has since talked-up a possible switch to Old Trafford, scored 14 goals and registered eight assists in 36 appearances for Wolves during the 2023-24 campaign, and he has another three years left to run on his contract at Molineux.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Ousmane Diomande

    Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande celebrates scoring their third goal on September 17, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Sporting Lisbon
    Age: 20
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £55m
    Transfer value: £35m
    Career appearances: 56
    Career goals: 4

    Honours


  • Primeira Liga (1): 2023-24

  • Africa Cup of Nations (1): 2023

  • Diomande has emerged as a genuine centre-back option for Man United, with a report claiming that the 20-year-old could be available for £35m during the summer market.

    The defender is regarded as one of the best young talents in world football, and he made 38 appearances for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring three times in the process.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Ronald Araujo

    Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo on March 17, 2024© Reuters

    Current club: Barcelona
    Age: 25
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £80m
    Transfer value: £59.6m
    Career appearances: 242
    Career goals: 21

    Honours


  • La Liga (1): 2022-23

  • Copa del Rey (1): 2020-21

  • Spanish Super Cup (1): 2022-23

  • Araujo is regarded as a key player by Barcelona, but the Catalan outfit are believed to be open to selling him for the right price this summer due to their financial problems.

    That price is believed to be around £80m, with Man United said to be huge admirers of the Uruguay international, who has made 150 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions.

    A decision on Araujo's future is unlikely to be made until after the 2024 Copa America.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Frenkie de Jong

    Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong on November 25, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Barcelona
    Age: 27
    Position: Central midfielder
    Rumoured asking price: £70m
    Transfer value: £59.6m
    Career appearances: 351
    Career goals: 30

    Honours


  • Eredivisie (1): 2018-19

  • KNVB Cup (1): 2018-19

  • La Liga (1): 2022-23

  • Copa del Rey (1): 2020-21

  • Spanish Super Cup (1): 2022-23

  • In a similar situation to Araujo, De Jong is viewed by Barcelona as a key player, but it is likely that he will be allowed to leave Camp Nou if an offer of around £70m arrives.

    The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, and it is being reported that the Red Devils could reignite their interest.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Jean-Clair Todibo

    Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo pictured training on August 5, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Nice
    Age: 24
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £40m
    Transfer value: £29.8m
    Career appearances: 172
    Career goals: 3

    Honours


  • La Liga (1): 2018-19

  • Todibo was linked with a move to Man United in the summer of 2023, and the Red Devils are still said to be interested, as Raphael Varane is leaving on a free transfer.

    The 24-year-old recently refused to rule out a switch to Old Trafford.

    However, UEFA have seemingly blocked Man United from moving for the centre-back, so a deal will not be able to go through unless there is a change in the ruling, or Ratcliffe sells his share in Nice.

    Our verdict: Very unlikely



    Ollie Watkins

    Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their second goal on April 14, 2024© Reuters

    Current club: Aston Villa
    Age: 28
    Position: Striker
    Rumoured asking price: £60m
    Transfer value: £55.3m
    Career appearances: 415
    Career goals: 155

    A recent report claimed that Man United were considering a summer move for Watkins, who scored 27 goals and registered 13 assists in 52 appearances for Villa during the 2024-25 campaign.

    However, a deal this summer will be difficult, as Watkins has fired his team into next season's Champions League, and Unai Emery's side are unlikely to be prepared to sell the Englishman.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Antonio Silva

    Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva on May 21, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Benfica
    Age: 20
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £85.2m
    Transfer value: £38.3m
    Career appearances: 98
    Career goals: 7

    Honours


  • Primeira Liga (1): 2022-23

  • Supertaca Candido de Oliveira (1): 2023

  • Silva is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in European football, and Man United are believed to be long-term admirers of the Portugal international.

    A recent report claimed that Man United had been in touch over a summer deal, but Benfica are not believed to be willing to let him leave for under his €100m (£85.2m) release clause.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Youssef En-Nesyri

    Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates scoring their second goal on November 29, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Sevilla
    Age: 27
    Position: Striker
    Rumoured asking price: £17m
    Transfer value: £16.9m
    Career appearances: 290
    Career goals: 93

    Honours


  • UEFA Europa League (2): 2019-20, 2022-23

  • Man United are allegedly interested in signing Sevilla striker En-Nesyri during this summer's transfer window, with the Red Devils said to be willing to offer £17m for his services.

    The Morocco international has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with West Ham United also believed to be keen on a player who has scored 73 goals in 196 matches for his current side.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Teun Koopmeiners

    Atalanta BC's Teun Koopmeiners reacts in September 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Atalanta
    Age: 26
    Position: Midfielder
    Rumoured asking price: £59.6m
    Transfer value: £42.2m
    Career appearances: 129
    Career goals: 29

    Honours


  • UEFA Europa League (1): 2023-24

  • Man United are reportedly prepared to spend as much as £59.6m on Atalanta midfielder Koopmeiners during this summer's transfer window.

    The 26-year-old scored 15 goals and registered seven assists in 51 appearances for his Italian club last season, and he is being tipped to leave in a big-money deal.

    Our verdict: Likely



    Fermin Lopez

    Barcelona's Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring their first goal on April 29, 2024© Reuters

    Current club: Barcelona
    Age: 21
    Position: Midfielder
    Rumoured asking price: £40m
    Transfer value: £25.3m
    Career appearances: 83
    Career goals: 23

    Man United are said to be interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Fermin during this summer's transfer window, with the club allegedly recently submitting a £25.4m offer for his services.

    Fermin is currently with the Spain squad at Euro 2024, having been rewarded for his strong performances at Barcelona last season, scoring 11 times in all competitions for the Catalan outfit in 2023-24.

    Our verdict: Unikely



    Marc Guehi

    Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi during the warm up before the match on December 27, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Crystal Palace
    Age: 23
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £65m
    Transfer value: £32m
    Career appearances: 179
    Career goals: 5

    Honours


  • FIFA Under-17 World Cup (1): 2017

  • Man United are believed to have an interest in signing Crystal Palace defender Guehi during this summer's transfer window.

    The England international is currently representing his country at Euro 2024, but there is widespread speculation surrounding his future at club level, with the Red Devils thought to be keen on the £65m-rated centre-back.

    Our verdict: Unikely



    Josep Martinez

    Genoa goalkeeper Josep Martinez in action in September 2023.© Reuters

    Current club: Genoa
    Age: 26
    Position: Goalkeeper
    Rumoured asking price: £17m
    Transfer value: £6.8m
    Career appearances: 158
    Career clean sheets: 60

    Honours


  • DFB-Pokal (1): 2021-22

  • Man United are allegedly preparing to make an offer for Genoa goalkeeper Martinez.

    The 26-year-old is also being heavily linked with Inter Milan, but Man United are said to be keen to add another goalkeeper to their squad this summer, and an offer of £17m could potentially be enough to convince Genoa to sell.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Leny Yoro

    Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in action with Lille's Leny Yoro on December 17, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Lille
    Age: 18
    Position: Centre-back
    Rumoured asking price: £51m
    Transfer value: £42m
    Career appearances: 60
    Career goals: 3

    Man United are thought to be keen on Lille defender Yoro, who is also being heavily linked with Real Madrid.

    The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents in world football, and the 20-time English champions are believed to be in the hunt for his signature during the summer market.

    Contact has allegedly been made from Man United, but Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are also battling for the centre-back.

    Our verdict: Unikely



    Morten Hjulmand

    Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand on September 17, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: Sporting Lisbon
    Age: 24
    Position: Midfielder
    Rumoured asking price: £67.6m
    Transfer value: £33.8m
    Career appearances: 218
    Career goals: 5

    Honours


  • Primeira Liga (1): 2023-24

  • Man United are said to be tracking Hjulmand, with the midfielder impressing for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign, and he has also starred for Denmark at Euro 2024.

    The 24-year-old scored a long-range goal against England in the group stage of this summer's European Championship, and Ten Hag's said are believed to be weighing up a move.

    Hjulmand is said to have a €80m (£67.6m) release clause in his current deal.

    Our verdict: Likely



    Goncalo Inacio

    Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio on March 16, 2023 © Reuters

    Current club: Sporting Lisbon
    Age: 22
    Position: Defender
    Rumoured asking price: £50.7m
    Transfer value: £38m
    Career appearances: 171
    Career goals: 15

    Honours


  • Primeira Liga (2): 2020-21, 2023-24

  • Taca da Liga (2): 2020-21, 2021-22

  • Supetaca Candido de Oliveira (1): 2021

  • Man United's desire to sign a new centre-back this summer has seen them linked with Inacio.

    The 22-year-old, who is with the Portugal squad at Euro 2024, made 50 appearances for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring four goals and registering one assist.

    Inacio's release clause is believed to be €60m (£50.7m), which makes him more affordable than some of the other centre-backs on this particular list.

    Our verdict: Likely



    Edson Alvarez

    West Ham United's Edson Alvarez celebrates after the match on August 20, 2023© Reuters

    Current club: West Ham United
    Age: 26
    Position: Midfielder
    Rumoured asking price: £60m
    Transfer value: £29.5m
    Career appearances: 302
    Career goals: 20

    Honours


  • Liga MX Apertura (1): 2018

  • Copa MX Clausura (1): 2019

  • Eredivisie (2): 2020-21, 2021-22

  • KNVB Cup (1): 2020-21

  • CONCACAF Gold Cup (2): 2019, 2023
  • West Ham midfielder Alvarez has allegedly emerged as a target for the Red Devils this summer.

    A recent report claimed that Man United have recently been in touch with the Hammers to discuss the details surrounding a possible move for the Mexico international.

    Alvarez is viewed by the 20-time English champions as a possible replacement for Casemiro.

    Our verdict: Unlikely



    Joshua Zirkzee

    Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee on May 11, 2024© Reuters

    Current club: Bologna
    Age: 23
    Position: Striker
    Rumoured asking price: £34m
    Transfer value: £42.3m
    Career appearances: 158
    Career goals: 42

    Honours


  • Bundesliga (1): 2019-20

  • DFB-Pokal (1): 2019-20

  • DFL-Supercup (2): 2020, 2022

  • UEFA Champions League (1): 2019-20

  • UEFA Super Cup (1): 2020
  • Man United are allegedly keen to bring Zirkzee to Old Trafford this summer to boost their forward options.

    The 23-year-old scored 12 times for Bologna during the 2023-24 campaign, and there is said to be a £34m release clause in his contract, which the Red Devils could activate.

    Our verdict: Likely



    Jonathan David

    Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee on May 11, 2024© Reuters

    Current club: Lille
    Age: 24
    Position: Striker
    Rumoured asking price: £30m
    Transfer value: £42.3m
    Career appearances: 183
    Career goals: 84

    Honours


  • Ligue 1 (1): 2020-21

  • Trophee des Champions (1): 2021
  • David is another alleged striker target for the Red Devils during the summer market.

    The Canada international scored 26 goals and registered nine assists in 48 appearances for Lille last season, and he will soon enter the final 12 months of his contract.

    Man United are one of a number of clubs believed to be interested in the 24-year-old.

    Our verdict: Likely



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    1Liverpool16123137162139
    2Chelsea17105237191835
    3Arsenal1796234161833
    4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
    5Bournemouth178452721628
    6Aston Villa178452626028
    7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
    8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
    9Fulham176742422225
    10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
    11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
    12Brentford177283232023
    13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
    14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
    15Everton163761421-716
    16Crystal Palace173771826-816
    17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
    18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
    19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
    20Southampton1713131136-256


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