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The transfer window for the Premier League season 2018-19 shuts at 5 PM on Thursday, August 9th. Millions of pounds have been spent by the top clubs in recruiting players to prepare for another (hopefully) pulsating season of the most watched football league in the world.
Manchester United, 2nd placed last season, further bolstered their squad by signing the Brazilian midfielder Fred, 19-year-old Italian full-back Diego Dalot, and veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant from Stoke.
By Jose Mourinho's own admission, the club are going for one final player before the transfer window shuts for good. This article discusses 5 possible players Mourinho will look to recruit before deadline day.
#1 Harry Maguire
The Leicester City defender was a mainstay in Gareth Southgate's England squad in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. England played with 3 at the back, with Maguire operating alongside Kyle Walker and John Stones.
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In the 7 matches England played, Maguire started 6 and played a total of 645 minutes. He achieved a 76% success rate in aerial duels, and a 57% success rate in tackles made. An impressive showing overall.
With Jose Mourinho in an intense search of a defender, Manchester United are believed to be lining up a £75 million bid. Leicester may hold out, given that they've already lost one of their star players, Riyad Mahrez to United's rival, Manchester City.
#2 Toby Alderweireld
Like Maguire, the Tottenham Hotspur centre-half was a regular in the Belgium starting lineup. Of the 6 games he played, all of them were starts. Additionally, he had the unique record of having a 100% success rate in tackles made at this World Cup in Russia.
The 29-year-old is a crucial first team player for Tottenham, and since the club haven't been active at all in this transfer season, it remains to be seen whether a deal will go through. He should be available in the £60-£75 million range.
#3 Yerry Mina
The 23-year-old centre-half hasn't had enough time to make an impact at Barcelona. He managed to make only 5 appearances for the Cules last season.
With Pique, Umtiti, Alba and Semedo consolidating their positions in the Barcelona defence, and Thomas Vermaelen also available as a backup centre-half, Manchester United may find this transfer comparatively easier to complete than the previous two.
FC Barcelona expects a fee in the ballpark of £35 million.
#4 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
The 23-year-old Serbian attacking midfielder, who plies his trade for Serie A club Lazio, is an attractive addition to United's firepower up front.
Savic could be the perfect link between Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez. The midfielder played an impressive 56 games last season, scoring 14 times and assisting 7 more.
A crucial component of the Lazio midfield, the club expects a high fee in the region of £138 million. This would make him among the top 5 most expensive footballers of all time.
#5 Jerome Boateng
Guardian reports that experienced centre-half Jerome Boateng, who is a regular in the Bayern Munich team, will be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £45-£50 million.
The 29-year-old is also being scouted by PSG, and this interest may further increase the expected fee.
Nevertheless, Boateng is available for talks, and it remains to be seen whether Jose Mourinho considers the defender a proper fit for his squad.
