Man Utd Transfer News Today: Striker shortlist has a SHOCK option, Rabiot FEAR, Rashford BOOST
Graham Shaw
- Updated: 18 Jun 2023 00:46 CDT
- 6 min read
Signing a top striker this summer is a massive priority for Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag and moves for Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are looking problematic.
PSG 'will sell' Mbappe to United IF Sheikh Jassim wins the takeover battle at Old Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. But that could be a little way off.
Ten Hag's interest in Tottenham and England captain Kane meanwhile appears to have ended in failure with little chance of a deal being done.
MORE: The best available free transfers in the summer of 2023
That leaves the Dutchman to look at other options - and The Athletic has revealed what it says is his revised five-man shortlist. And it contains a SHOCK option already plying his trade in the Premier League.
The first four names are all en vogue right now - Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen, Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund (aka 'the new Erling Haaland'), Eintracht Frankfurt ace Randal Kuolo Muani and Benfica's Goncalo Ramos.
It's the fifth name though that will take most Man Utd fans by surprise - Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins. He has scored 40 goals in three Premier League seasons since moving to Villa Park from Brentford.
Even Watkins would not come cheap though - our ETV (Estimated Transfer Value) model values him at €47.4m.
Jordan Pickford a leading option to replace De Gea
David De Gea is about to become a free agent this summer, and has yet to accept the offer of a two-year contract.
Widespread reports suggest the offer to De Gea is much lower than the £375,000 per week he currently earns at Old Trafford. To be exact, around £200,000.
MORE: Every Premier League signing and done deal in 2023-24
With lining up goalkeeper options now a priority for coach Erik ten Hag, Everton and England star Jordan Pickford is emerging as a leading contender - per the Daily Star - with a bid of around £45m mooted.
Wages should not be a problem here either, as that £200,000 revised offer to De Gea representing a massive raise for Pickford. It is reportedly double what he earns at Goodison Park.
The Red Devils could face competition from Tottenham for Pickford's signature.
Rashford set for MASSIVE pay rise, funded by De Gea
Marcus Rashford is expected to become the new highest paid player at Man Utd, with the huge pay raise funded by that pay cut or exit of goalkeeper David De Gea.
According to The Sun, the England striker is likely to sign a five-year deal with a pay packet in the region of £375,000 per week. The same as De Gea's current deal.
The extra funds, per the tabloid, will easily be available whether De Gea accepts reduced terms of £200,000 per week, or leaves this summer.
Man Utd favourites to sign Onana as Chelsea PULL OUT
More goalkeeper options in the news at Man Utd, namely Inter Milan star Andre Onana.
Per the Evening Standard, Erik ten Hag is now favourite to land Onana this summer after Chelsea pulled out of the race for the Cameroon shot stopper.
Onana, who once played for ten Hag at Dutch giants Ajax, would not come cheap of course. The reported fee would be in the region of £50m.
Rabiot future hangs in balance with Premier League fear for Man Utd
Man Utd still retain interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but there is a fear they could lose out to another Premier League team in the battle for his signature.
The French midfielder has long been a target for the Red Devils, but there is a fear that the ongoing takeover saga at Old Trafford could see them miss out on the soon-to-be free agent.
And now reports from Italy suggest that none other than Newcastle United are in the race, and could swoop to take Rabiot to Tyneside.
Rabiot's mother and agent Veronique Rabiot is assessing offers for her son - which include a one-year extension at Juventus. He is expected to make a decision before the end of June.
MORE: The seven Man Utd players set to leave on a free transfer
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Read more about: Premier League, Aston Villa, Everton, Inter, Juventus, Man Utd, Adrien Rabiot, André Onana, David De Gea, Jordan Pickford, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins
