Manchester United’s interest in Federico Valverde has been well-publicised in recent days. And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly made the Real Madrid star a PRIORITY target for the summer window – but any transfer deal still appears unlikely due to the midfielder’s huge buyout clause.
Manchester United boss Solskjaer is keen to sign another midfielder this summer, despite currently having the likes of Fred, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba at his disposal.
And, in the past week, the Red Devils have been linked with Valverde.
Now, Catalan newspaper Sport say Solskjaer has made the Real Madrid star one of his priorities for the summer transfer window.
The Norwegian has been impressed by Valverde’s rise to prominence at the Bernabeu, with the 21-year-old becoming a vital asset for manager Zinedine Zidane.
But while United have now moved Valverde into the priority category, any transfer still seems unlikely.
And that’s because of Real putting a huge £450million buyout clause into the midfielder’s contract.
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While United have the money to afford any player in world football, that valuation will be too high for them to meet.
Especially when you consider the other targets United have in mind for the summer window.
Jadon Sancho is their first choice, with the Borussia Dortmund star blitzing the Bundesliga this season with 14 goals and 15 assists.
Signing the England international won’t be cheap, however, with the winger’s club holding out for £120m.
United also want to land Jack Grealish, who could cost as much as £60m.
And Saul Niguez has emerged as a leading target as well, with the Atletico Madrid star likely to cost in the region of £135m.
“I think I was wrong because he’s quickly moving up the ladder.
“He’s having an incredible season, he’s one of the most important players for us and he’s growing in every game.
“He’s doing a phenomenal job, but he’s 21, he has to go easy and we can’t put so much pressure on the kid.
“I’ve been 21 and I know what’s going on in his head, but what I like most about him is that he’s a quiet person who likes to listen.
“He’s shown with all these good games that he’s a very important player and he’s still just as calm.”
