Transfer Round Up

Pulled this off Reddit, a pretty detailed updates on activities around the clubs regarding transfers. Thought it would be a good read.

ICYMI: A complete Manchester United-focused summary of tonight's BBC 5 Live Sport transfer show, featuring David Ornstein + Statman Dave
BBC5Live Summary

For those who are unaware and perhaps intrigued by some of the quotes that have just started doing the rounds online, from 20:00 - 21:30PM UK time tonight, BBC Radio 5 had their Live Sport Transfer discussion show, and Manchester United were a prominent topic of discussion for the panel, which featured Charlie Adam, BBC's David Ornstein, the Telegraph's Sam Wallace and our very own Statman Dave. I thought I would provide a quick summary of the key points for anyone who missed out and doesn't want to dig through an hour and a half of the transfer thread, so here goes:

The initial topic of discussion, as I'm sure you're all aware of by now, is that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to become a Manchester United player imminently, now that we've agreed on a transfer fee valuation of £45 million + £5 million in bonuses with Crystal Palace. Ornstein once again confirmed that AWB flew into Manchester today by private jet (congratulations to the resident muppets of r/reddevils who successfully tracked the right flight). The announcement of a 5-year deal is expected to take place tomorrow following a medical.

In more interesting news, the next United piece of discussion turned to our search for a new centre-half, with Ornstein and the panel confirming it to be a priority signing this summer. Two key pieces of information relating to this CB search followed:

The first is Tier 1 confirmation from David Ornstein that Manchester United were not only one of the clubs interested in signing Matthijs De Ligt, but the only club to have tabled a "serious contract offer" to the Dutchman at the time of his last update from sources. However, Ornstein also followed up by stating that De Ligt rejected this same offer. One thing that hasn't been mentioned in some of partial quotes floating around on the internet is that Ornstein said he expects this situation will change over time, which could mean that we submit a new offer or that rival clubs come through with their own deals. As far as I'm aware, this is the first time a British Tier 1 source has confirmed our interest and bid for De Ligt.

Another centre-half who is confirmed to be a clear target for us is Leicester's Harry Maguire. Ornstein explained that the Englishman is involved in a straight fight between Manchester City and Manchester United, but crucially also stressed that Leicester are not desperate to sell Maguire, and would only do so if their valuation of £75 million was met. Ornstein implied that both City and United are reluctant to meet this valuation, and neither club has submitted an offer near this amount yet.

The Telegraph's Sam Wallace says that we are making a move for Lyon's 15-year old wonderkid striker Rayan Cherki. This is presumably another attempt by Nicky Butt to substantially strengthen our academy.

Statman Dave mentioned that we were one of the clubs interested in Tanguy Ndombele, but that he will be going to Spurs this summer.

Amidst rumours of Liverpool being interested in our target Bruno Fernandes, David Ornstein crucially mentioned that the Scousers will be having a "low-key" summer this year, with no intention to splash big money on names such as Lille's Nicolas Pepe or Lyon's Nabil Fekir. If this information is true, it sounds like we have a free run at Bruno.

Kalidou Koulibaly is of interest to both Manchester United and City. However, Statman Dave and Ornstein stated that Napoli don't have an intention to sell him this summer. The signing of Manolas does NOT change this, with the two seen as the first-choice centre-back pairing for the Italians this upcoming season.

Finally, David Ornstein tantalisingly concluded the programme by telling viewers to keep an eye on Sampdoria CB Joachim Andersen, as it is expected that he'll be making a move to the Premier League this summer. Andersen was linked with us last summer, and given our search for a CB it's possible that we'll be in for him again. This update concluded the show.
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TL:DR: AWB confirmed, multiple CBs being pursued (De Ligt, Maguire, Koulibaly and Joachim Andersen), Liverpool aren't in for Bruno Fernandes, Lyon academy star Cherki pursued by our academy.