Rumour Reel: Man Utd in for Mkhitaryan, Darmian a Pogba makeweight?
Published:
Holly Thackeray | June 10, 2016
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has made his first signing, and the snaffling of Eric Bailly seems to have opened the floodgates for a raft of fresh Red Devils transfer rumours, including prodigal player Paul Pogba and Borussia Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan. So, get that Friday morning feeling with Coral and delve into the best of today’s gossip…
Man Utd dangling Darmian carrot for Juve
It’s been just one summer since Italy defender Matteo Darmian swapped the Alpine attractions of Torino for the Northwest weather at Old Trafford, but latest reports suggest the full back, who flopped somewhat under Louis van Gaal, could be used as a sweetener in pursuit of Pogba.
Juventus, against whom Darmian dispatched in a Turin derby, have been attributed with an interest in the adaptable Azzurri defender before for his ability to play on either defensive flank, as a wing back or centre half.
Red Devils dugout boss Mourinho is mooted to be a long term admirer of France dynamo Pogba, but looks increasingly likely to face stiff competition from former club Real Madrid for the midfielder’s services.
Los Blancos are tipped to offer a much more enticing makeweight in Spain playmaker Isco, who Juve had on their rarefied radar last summer. Yet, the trade may come too late, as Roma’s attacking midfielder Miralem Pjanic is said to be on the verge of joining the Serie A champions.
Red Devils to rival Arsenal for Mkhitaryan
In more Man Utd news, Dortmund’s delightful wingman Mkhitaryan, already strongly linked to Arsenal, is also believed to have intrigued Mourinho.
With his BVB contract set to expire next June and 23 club goals scored this season, their have supposedly been a gaggle of suitors with the Red Devils the latest to join. Thomas Tuchel has already lost big names Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels, and the Armenia international attacker’s impending departure is set to be another blow.
Marvellous Mkhitaryan, who also hit 32 assists this term, has the magic that’s been missing at Old Trafford. With the ability to get bums off seats through pure skill, the 27-year-old can drift all across midfield but plays primarily on the right wing, a role the Red Devils have struggled to fill.
Further tabloid tips in the red half of Manchester mention Real Madrid have given up their chase of Spain stopper David de Gea, while Sweden coach Erik Hamren is reported to have told super striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to delay any announcements over his mooted move until after Euro 2016.
Foxes fall short with Deeney delivery
There was a transfer offer that caused raised eyebrows nationwide yesterday, as Premier League champions Leicester City reportedly saw a £20m offer for Watford frontman Troy Deeney rebuffed.
The Hornets hitman is supposedly keen to swap Vicarage Road for the King Power Stadium to play Champions League football, but Watford don’t look likely to allow their skipper to leave.
Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes are intent on bolstering their attacking options with four competitions to compete in next campaign, while main men Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are both being linked with exits.
Elsewhere, with Dani Alves moving on from the Nou Camp, there are whispers that Spanish giants Barcelona fancy Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta for the vacant full back role. While, the Blues themselves are set to bag Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly.
