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Manchester United are expected to invest wisely in their squad following the arrival of new minority owners INEOS. Erik ten Hag will be desperate for reinforcements after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have set their sights on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants remain interested in Crystal Palace hitman Michael Olise.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 1, 2024:
Manchester United want Victor Osimhen
Manchester United are plotting a player-plus-cash offer for Victor Osimhen, according to La Repubblica. Erik ten Hag's team struggled to impress in front of goal in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 86 goals in 52 games across competitions.
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The Dutchman allowed Anthony Martial to leave this summer and is short of options for the No. 9 role. Rasmus Hojlund was roped in from Atalanta last summer, but the 21-year-old isn't the finished material yet. The situation has apparently forced the Red Devils to turn to Osimhen.
The Nigerian hitman is a sought-after man this summer despite signing a new deal with Napoli in December. The 25-year-old wasn't in his element last season but still registered 17 goals and four assists in 32 games across competitions.
Osimhen is being eyed by Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, among others. Manchester United have entered the race and are apparently ready to include Hojlund in their offer to sweeten a deal.
However, the Red Devils invested heavily in the Danish striker last summer and hold him in high regard. The Premier League giants are likely to target a new striker who could complement Hojlund and help him flourish. As such, it might be wise to take this report with a pinch of salt.
Red Devils eyeing Michael Olise
Manchester are planning to hijack Bayern Munich's move for Michael Olise, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The French forward caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following an impressive 2023-24 campaign.
The 22-year-old registered 10 goals and six assists in 19 games for Crystal Palace. The Red Devils had their eyes on Olise earlier this summer, along with Arsenal and Chelsea. However, recent reports have suggested that the Bavarians are leading the race to secure his signature.
The two parties are already in talks regarding a deal, and the player is even willing to sign a contract till 2029 with the German giants. However, Manchester United are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Ten Hag remains eager to improve his attack this summer, and Olise could be an upgrade on Antony on the right wing. Bayern are apparently aware of the Red Devils' interest in the Frenchman and are scurrying to complete a deal.
Journalist updates on Manchester United's defender search
Manchester United are eyeing multiple candidates to solve their defensive conundrum, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. Ten Hag is looking for a new face to replace Raphael Varane, who has already left the club.
Recent reports have suggested that Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has many admirers at Old Trafford. However, the Red Devils have apparently balked at the Merseyside club's £70 million valuation of the 21-year-old.
Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo is also a target for the club this summer, but prising him away is turning to be a complicated affair due to UEFA regulations. Ten Hag's team conceded 58 goals in 38 games in the Premier League last season, so a new defender is a priority.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth named Leny Yoro, Marc Guehi and Matthijs de Ligt as the English club's other targets.
"One of the ones that looks high on the list is a young player from Lille, Leny Yoro, but Real Madrid are interested in him as well, and Liverpool have been linked as well. Marc Guehi is another one. Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich is another one," said Sheth.
He continued:
"The interesting one was Jean-Clair Todibo, because there's been a long-term interest in him. But UEFA rules are kind of dictating that they might not be able to go ahead with a potential signing of Todibo, simply because
"INEOS are owners of Nice and they are obviously now minority investors in Manchester United as well, but (centre-back) is definitely an area that Manchester United will want to strengthen."
De Ligt could fancy a reunion with Ten Hag at Old Trafford this summer.
