Manchester United transfer roundup: £150 million superstar willing to take pay-cut to join Barcelona and more

Hello and welcome to the Manchester United transfer roundup for the day! Once again, despite not having a cracking window as the rumour mill often promised to us, stories regarding the Old Trafford outfit never ceases to flow with vehemence.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

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#5 Lee Grant and Sandro

Manchester United’s transfer window has been quite absurd. Despite being linked with a million of players, the Red Devils haven’t been able to sign anyone of note after acquiring the signature of Diogo Dalot and Fred.

After that, to the shock many fans, the Old Trafford outfit signed Lee Grant as the third-choice goalkeeper behind David De Gea and Sergio Romero. However, manager Jose Mourinho has revealed the reason and logic behind signing Grant.

According to the Portuguese, the main reason for signing Grant was because the club let Joel Pereira leave on loan. Mourinho, who rates Pereira highly, thinks that it was necessary for the youngster to play in order to improve as a player, which is why he was let go.

Subsequently, United signed Grant as a cover for Pereira.

“We did Lee Grant because we have a fantastic young goalkeeper (Joel Pereira) who needs to play football. I really believe Joel is a Manchester United goalkeeper, but he cannot be 19-years-old and two years without football, he has to play. To protect that position, we have Lee,” he said.

“We’ve known Lee for a long time, he has experience in the Championship, also with Stoke City in the Premier League, he’s more than ready to fulfill that position and allow the development of Joel. Joel that he is here with us is good for him to play, then he will go on loan.”

Meanwhile, according to Tutto Mercato Web, Alex Sandro to Paris Saint-Germain is closer to happening. PSG have offered €45 million to Juventus including variables and a breakthrough is possible in the upcoming hours.

After selling Sandro to PSG, Juve will push for a move for Matteo Darmian, who is on his way out of Old Trafford with the Red Devils seeking €18 million for the full-back.

#4 Martial and Lindelof

A chance at redemption

Anthony Martial was supposed to leave the Old Trafford. At least that is what his agent had claimed earlier. Martial isn’t too keen to continue at the Theatre of Dreams as he hasn’t established himself as a first-team member under Mourinho.

However, with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford being awarded extra time off due to their involvement in the World Cup, Martial now has a chance to shine in their absence and make a place in the first team, according to Mirror.

Meanwhile, if this report from CalcioMercato is to be believed, who took the original story from Tuttosport, Juventus will sell Daniele Rugani if Chelsea offers €45 million. And if that happens, they have targeted Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof as a possible replacement.

#3 Marko and Marqi

His agent wants him to move

This is a nice sub-heading, isn’t it? Marko Arnautovic had been previously linked with a move to Manchester United. The rumors had died down during the World Cup but they seem to have gotten back on track after the greatest show on earth concluded.

According to the Transfer Market Web, Jose Mourinho is planning to sign Arnautovic as a backup for the frontline. Arnautovic, the report adds, will now have to decide whether to leave London should he not be in Pellegrini’s first team plans.

Meanwhile, according to Paris United via Get French Football News, has sounded out the availability of his client to Manchester United along with several other clubs. The player, however, has no desire to leave but his agent seeks to convince him to move so that the duo could make some money out of it.

#2 Mbappe

The best young player in the world

After doing something similar a few days ago, Rio Ferdinand has once again urged Manchester United to sign Kylian Mbappe from PSG.

The former Manchester United defender seems mightily impressed with the Frenchman’s pace and wants his former team to open the cheque-book for him.

“And this is Mbappe – what a player,” Ferdinand said.

“He’s got too much pace, he scares the living daylights out of players, defenders have nightmares.

“Manchester United, open the cheque-book!”

Mbappe was awarded as the best young player of the World Cup in Russia for his great performances for France.

#1 Pogba

The World Cup winner

Paul Pogba to Barcelona rumours just keeps intensifying. After initially being reported just as a thought, Don Balon is now stating that the French World Cup winner is so willing to move to the Camp Nou that he is ready to make a sacrifice.

Apparently, Pogba is willing to take a pay-cut in order to get a chance to play with the great Lionel Messi, who has given his blessing to go ahead with the operation.

However, the problem lies in the fact that Manchester United want £150 million for their star midfielder, which is a price that Barca can’t afford at this point in time. Also, the coaching staff isn’t completely sold by Pogba’s qualities.