United told to change Harry Maguire bid
Man Utd have been told to change their bid for Harry Maguire, as Leicester don’t think they’ll qualify for the Champions League next season.
Their initial £70m bid for Maguire included a number of additional clauses, based on United qualifying for the Champions League.
But the Foxes don’t want to risk gambling on United’s future, given that they’ve only finished in the top four twice since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, The Mail say.
If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to make sure he lands Maguire this summer, he’ll have to offer a larger percentage of his offer as cash, instead of as incentives for the future.
Bruno Fernandes deal being finalised
Man Utd are finalising their move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
United are said to have agreed a £63m (€70m) fee with Sporting for the 24-year-old.
And transfer specialist Nicolo Schira says United’s move for Fernandes is being finalised.
He tweeted: “It’s confirmed!
“Last details between Man Utd and Sporting to finalise Bruno Fernandes’ deal.
“For him it’s a contract until 2024 by €5.5m a year.”
Harry Maguire development
United are ready to meet Leicester’s £80m asking price for Harry Maguire once they sell Romelu Lukaku.
Leicester rejected the Red Devils’ £70m bid earlier this month, with the Foxes demanding a record fee for the defender.
And the Irish Independent say United will meet Leicester’s asking price once they’ve cashed in on Lukaku.
Ed Woodward is wary of overpaying for Maguire, however, Ole Gunner Solskjaer is desperate to land the centre-back.
Paulo Dybala talks
United have opened talks with Juventus over a move for Paulo Dybala.
Transfer specialist Nicolo Schira tweeted: “United is interested in Paulo Dybala.
“Juventus ask €80M to sell him. Joya wants €10M a year as a salary.
“Contacts ongoing with his agent and brother Mariano. #transfers #MUFC #mutd.”
Lukaku could be used as a makeweight in the deal, with Juventus keen on the Belgium international.
Ed Woodward stance on Harry Maguire price
Man Utd executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward doesn’t want to be accused of paying an inflated price for Harry Maguire after the previous failed big-money buys.
United have been targeting Maguire since last summer and are willing to meet Leicester’s £80million asking price after having their first £70m bid rejected by the Premier League side.
But, according to the Irish Independent, Woodward doesn’t want to splash the cash the same way he did for the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay, all of which failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.
Therefore, it seems like Manchester United could pull the trigger after Romelu Lukaku’s move to Inter Milan or Juventus.
Arsenal make Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decision
Arsenal will not be selling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer to help fund a move for Nicolas Pepe, claims BBC Sport’s David Ornstein.
“[Pepe is] mainly deployed on the right-hand side and cuts in onto his left foot,” Ornstein told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Tracks back, works hard, which Unai Emery will like. He can also operate in a two-man strike-force if needed in a 4-4-2 formation.
“It’s a pretty mouthwatering prospect that he will play in the same team as Aubameyang, Lacazette, potentially [Mesut] Ozil and others.
“I’m told that this will not mean a significant departure.
“The likes of Aubameyang, Lacazette, will not be leaving Arsenal this summer to help finance this deal.”
