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Hello and welcome to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 17th June 2019. We bring you the top transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top five picks for today.
#5 Ed Woodward ready to spend big on Harry Maguire
We start today's segment with a good news for United fans. The Red Devils were expected to kick off their summer spending after sealing a deal for Daniel James.
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However, nothing spectacular has happened yet and the fans can be forgiven for being a little restless of late.
There's a real nervousness in the air, especially because United had not made any progress in their pursuit of a new centerback. And this is where this news will be a breathe of fresh air for United fans
According to the Metro, Ed Woodward is all set to match Leicester City's evaluation of Harry Maguire, who has been a target for United for quite sometime now.
The Foxes reportedly value the Englishman at £80m, which would be a world record fee for a defender. For the record, Leicester City bought Maguire for just £17m just two years ago. However, this is not all.
It is also reported that United are willing to offer the Englishman a staggering £350,000 per week salary. That could be enough to see the man make the move to Old Trafford this summer.
United's dismal performance in the league last season meant that drastic changes were required in the squad, especially at the back. However, their attempts of attracting a world class centerback has hit a roadblock so far.
For starters, the absence of Champions League football has been a deal breaker. And on the other hand, the asking price of their targets have been sky high. Kalidou Koulibaly had been Solskjaer's first choice, but Napoli has already slapped a mammoth £150m price tag on the Senegalese.
In such a scenario, Harry Maguire could actually represent a wise bet. The Englishman is a proven player in the Premier League, so he will most definitely hit the ground running. At 26 years old, he is just entering his prime and is the ready material that can bring solidity to the United back four. And his records suggest that he might actually be worth that bucket load of money.
Go get him, Eddy!
#4 United target wants to move to Old Trafford
We continue with another news of a center back linked to Manchester United. The Red Devils had been interested in West Ham United's center back Issa Diop and there were even reports that United had offered a bid of £40m plus player for the Frenchman. However, the Hammers were quick to reject that bid, as they were looking to hold on to the 22-year-old.
The Metro now reports that Diop is interested in a move to Old Trafford. This should be great news for the Red Devils, who can now return with an improved deal to convince The Hammers.
The Frenchman started 33 games in the Premier League last season and even scored 1 goal. He averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and just 0.5 fouls per game. At 194cms, he has the commanding presence that could help Solskjaer solve his defensive problems, so if United to manage to get this over the line, it will be a fine bit of business.
#3 James Maddison responds to rumours linking him to United
James Maddison has finally opened up about being linked to Manchester United, describing it as a compliment, but emphasizing that he does not let these talks distract him.
It was earlier reported that United had been in touch with Leicester City over the availability of the Englishman. The Red Devils were told that Maddison would cost them at least £60m. It led to a lot of speculations about the Englishman, but speaking to Sky Sports, he had this to say:
No, you have just got to ignore that [rumours] and take it all in your stride
As a 17 year-old boy I’d started five games for Coventry and saw on my phone that I was being linked with Tottenham and Liverpool.
With transfer talk you need to take it as a compliment that people are even talking about you, it won’t distract me.
United have not officially placed a bid for the Englishman yet.
#2 Solskjaer ready to let six players leave this summer
The Express reports that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is preparing to let as many as six first team players leave this summer, in what is thought to be a massive clear out at the club.
United are linked with a host of players right now, but have only managed one signing so far. Welshman Daniel James made the move to Old Trafford from Swansea City to become Solskjaer's first signing as a United manager.
However, along with the incoming players, there have also been rumours of quite a few high profile exits and now it seems that Solskjaer is not afraid to weld the axe. Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera have already left, but they will hardly be the last ones out.
Romelu Lukaku does not feature in the Norwegian's plans, so he will be allowed to leave. Anthony Martial is another big name who could depart this summer as well. And Solskjaer has reportedly given up on Pogba too, and is also open to allowing the Frenchman to leave.
#1 United want to replace Pogba with Coutinho or Rakitic
Today's biggest news of the day comes from Mundo Deportivo. With Paul Pogba leaving no stones unturned to carve an exit route from Old Trafford, United have begun preparations to recruit his replacement. And they have already identified two targets - Barcelona stars Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic.
Coutinho already has his heart set on a move out of Camp Nou this summer, after failing to impress since moving from Liverpool in January 2018. He could be a fine addition to this United team, but Old Trafford might not be the Brazilian's first choice.
Rakitic, on the other hand, has been a quiet servant for the Catalans for years now, and was a vital component in their midfield last season. However, he is 31 years old and Barcelona are open to hearing offers from him. Even though he is an entirely different player to Pogba, Rakitic could succeed at Old Trafford and will probably be a more like for like replacement for Ander Herrera.
Only time will tell if United manage to get one or both by the end of this summer.
