Manchester United transfer news: Mourinho explains Lukaku's Chelsea snub, Keane opens up on Everton transfer and more - 17th September 2017

Mourinho denies influence in Lukaku deal

United gaffer aired his views on the Lukaku deal that he did not influence it in any way. The Belgian was widely tipped to return to Chelsea from Everton in the summer before United completed the deal, surprising everyone.

Mourinho believes Chelsea could not sign the star striker as they refused to pay up. Talking about the transfer, the Portuguese explained:

"I don’t think it was my influence, no. I think we paid the money that Everton asked for and we paid the player the wages that his agent asked for and we paid the agents the commission that they asked for."

"I think that was the way. I don’t see another reason. We paid what Everton asked for. The seller club is the club that decides the amount the buying club pays or doesn’t pay. With Romelu my club decided to pay and they got him."

Eventually, Antonio Conte's Chelsea went ahead and signed Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid and the battle is on to see who proves to be a better investment.

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Keane elaborates on choosing Everton over United

Keane felt Everton was a better move at this stage of his career

Michael Keane opened up on his Everton move as he felt it was the right step in his development. The former Burnley defender was born and brought up in Manchester and was widely expected to return to United in the summer.

“They(Manchester United) are one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is not an easy ­decision. I thought about it throughout the summer. I spoke to family, friends, my agent and I got advice from people I used to work with at United."

However, the ball-playing centre-back moved to Everton and mentioned playing time in a World Cup year as one of the key reasons. The 24-year old explained :

In the end, I came to the decision of joining Everton and I am thankful I did that because I think it is going to be the best thing for me in the long run.

"I thought I’d get a lot of game time here at Everton, more than I would at United and that was a massive factor in my decision. It is a big club like United, a great fan base and we are in Europe, so the main thing for me was to play games, ­especially in World Cup year."

"I want to play and that means the not-so-good games too. I’m young and it will make me a better player.”

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United interested in AS Roma's Antonucci

Antonucci is yet to sign his first professional contract with AS Roma

Manchester United academy chief. Nicky Butt could acquire one more top talent as the club has set its eyes on AS Roma's striker Mirko Antonucci, according to transfermarketweb.

The 18-year old is yet to sign his first professional contract with the Italian club, increasing the chances of a transfer in the coming year.

Antonucci has already featured for the Italy U18s and was on the bench when AS Roma faced Inter Milan at home in August.

The youth starlet is wanted by Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Lazio apart from United, indicating any deal will not be straightforward. Nevertheless, United stand a good chance of signing the player, especially if he wants to move abroad.