Rumour Reel: Man Utd plot £180m spending spree on which four players?
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Football gossip for December 22 in Rumour Reel
Christmas is virtually upon us, but the football gossip simply doesn’t stop as Man Utd plot a £180m spending spree, according to the national press.
This sensational story gives Red Devils fans plenty to get excited about over the festive period, which means it’s worth assessing in more detail.
And that is exactly what Coral’s Rumour Reel for December 22 is all about. Read on as we pull the lid off Jose Mourinho’s ambitious and alleged plans…
Man Utd plot spending spree?
Watch the next two transfer windows at Old Trafford with interest, as another recruitment drive that would break the bank looks in the offing for Man Utd.
A whopping £180m could be spent by the Red Devils across this winter and next summer, with highly-rated Sweden defender Victor Lindelof the rumoured top target.
It is understood United were prepared to wait until the end of the season before recruiting the 22-year-old, but current club boss Rui Vitoria has refused to rule out Lindelof leaving Benfica in January.
Seeking Semedo swoop after closing on Lindelof?
His defensive teammate in Lisbon, Nelson Semedo, is also thought to be a target as Man Utd plot this spending spree. Lindelof could seal a £38m deal to Old Trafford to be discussed with his agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Mourinho too, over the Christmas period.
Portugal-capped full back Semedo, 23, could be available for around £25m in the summer, with Mourinho reportedly keen to sign a player to succeed 31-year-old Ecuador captain Antonio Valencia.
United could thus pour more than £60m into defensive recruits in 2017, with Eric Bailly set to play for the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations. These prospective signings could raise doubts about Chris Smalling’s future at Old Trafford.
Bakayoko appeals for back four protection?
Monaco’s France Under-21 holding midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, meanwhile, caught the eye during the Champions League group stage with impressive displays against the Red Devils’ Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Morgan Schneiderlin is reportedly set to leave Old Trafford either in January or the summer as he’s out of favour, with Everton and West Bromwich Albion among those said to be interested in snapping up the former Southampton anchorman.
Bakayoko, rated around £35m, represents an exciting alternative in the midfield shield position and thus part of the reason why Man Utd plot this spending spree. Another of their domestic rivals in Chelsea are said to be interested in him too.
Griezmann the goal-machine Red Devils want to grab?
The bulk of this rumoured £180m war chest would be spent of Atletico Madrid’s prolific France forward Antoine Griezmann, however.
With a reported release clause of £84m in his contract at the Vicente Calderon, the Red Devils will have to spend big to prise Griezmann away from Atleti.
The 25-year-old is closing in 100 La Liga goals, including 50 in 90 for Diego Simeone’s side. Griezmann was also leading marksman at Euro 2016, striking six times for the tournament hosts.
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