Hello and welcome to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 19th July 2019. We bring you the top transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top picks for the day.
Also Read: Manchester United News and Rumours: July 15, 2019
#5 Harry Maguire aims to emulate Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford
Manchester United's quest for a new center back has hit several road blocks this summer, however, their continued interest in Leicester City's Harry Maguire has given fans quite a bit of hope. The Red Devils had previously courted Napoli's Koulibaly and Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt, however, the Senegalese was deemed too costly, while de Ligt had been on the road to Turin all along. That is when United set their sights on Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils already have a £70m second bid rejected, but remain optimistic about securing the signature of the Englishman this summer. It was previously thought that Maguire himself was interested in the move, and recent reports have re-affirmed those notions.
Sky Sports reports that the Leicester City defender will consider it an honour to play for Manchester United, because he idolized Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand while growing up. Maguire now wants to follow in the footsteps of his idols at Old Trafford, however, the delay in the completion of the deal has left him frustrated.
The Englishman might not have come out in the open to express his views, but it is understood that he is extremely disappointed in Leicester City's reluctance to sell him. The Foxes want a world record bid for a defender, which would eclipse the £75m that Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.
Leicester Boss Brendon Rogers confirmed this week that the valuation of the player has not been met yet. To add to United's woes, City themselves are willing to match United's £75m offer.
Solskjaer has already added Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to his squad this summer, but the center back position has been United's bane last season. As such, the Red Devils are desperate to bring Maguire to Old Trafford, as they believe that the Englishman could be the perfect partner to the increasingly improving Victor Lindelof at the heart of the United defense. But are they willing to pay a world record bid for him? Only time will tell.
#4 Solskjaer wants United to complete Bruno Fernandes transfer immediately
Solskjaer has been yearning for his third summer signing for quite sometime now, however, the market has not been easy on him. The Norwegian reportedly wants at least two more signings before the end of the summer, and a midfield reinforcement is a priority.
The Guardian reports that Solskjaer wants United to complete the Bruno Fernandes transfer as soon as possible and has even asked Ed Woodward to get the Portuguese to Old Trafford immediately. Fernandes has been exceptional for Sporting last season, scoring 25 goals and registering 13 assists from the midfield. Solskjaer believes that the player would be perfect fit in his midfield.
The Independent has previously reported that United are preparing a £50m bid for the Portuguese, however, no official bids have been placed so far. The player's agent has been in talks with the Premier League giants and a breakthrough could happen soon.
#3 Inter Milan to offer Romelu Lukaku a £41m contract
The Lukaku situation at United has refused to settle down. Inter Milan are interested in the services of the player, but their £63m bid was rejected by United. The Red Devils are holding out for at least £79m, but the Serie A side are reluctant to pay that amount.
In middle of all the turmoil, Lukaku's absence from the United pre-season squad against Leeds United is thought to be an indication of the player's imminent departure. If Inter and United do reach an agreement, the Serie A side are preparing a bumper offer for the player.
Sky Sports reports that Inter Milan will offer Romelu Lukaku a contract worth £41m including bonuses, over a period of 5 years. However, all that depends on whether they can convince United to sell the Belgian. The player himself is eager to make the move and play under Antonio Conte, who he has previously described as the best coach in the world.
#2 Steve Bruce desperate to keep Longstaff at Newcastle
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been targetting young British players this summer and had set his sights on Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff. Even though United were shocked by Newcastle's valuation of the player, they were optimistic about getting their man. However, it seems that the appointment of United legend Steve Bruce as the new manager of Newcastle United has jeopardized those plans.
Sky Sports reports that Steve Bruce has Longstaff firmly in his plans. Bruce has joined Newcastle's pre-season tour in China and will attempt to keep Longstaff in his team for next season. The player himself was thought to be willing to move to Old Trafford, but will not force a deal. Speaking to the Chronicle Live, Longstaff, who is currently recovering from injury, revealed that he is keep to impress his new manager.
I want to get back on the pitch as soon as I can. That is what I am looking forward to doing.
I make more and more progress everyday, that’s all I look forward to. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and impress the new boss.
#1 Andreas Pereira urges Pogba to stay at Old Trafford
The Paul Pogba saga has quietened a bit in recent days and much of the credit must go to the player himself. Pogba has been United's best player in both games in Australia and has shown why Solskjaer wants to build a team around him.
With every passing day, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Pogba will leave United this summer, and now, his current team mate Andreas Pereira has urged him to stay at Old Trafford.
It is great [to train and play with Pogba] - just in the group he is a great person.
It will be very important if he stays with us. He is a very good player and top class as a person as well.
I learn from him everyday. He is one of my closest friends, I have been here with him since 16, so he is like family to me.
The Brazilian even has a plan in place to stop Pogba from leaving
I might have to steal his phone so he doesn’t speak to anyone!