It’s been a good few weeks for Manchester United and their fans, and they will be hoping that continues when Mourinho’s boys face Liverpool on Sunday. Meanwhile, there is plenty happening off the pitch, so with that in mind here is a round-up of all the latest rumours surrounding Old Trafford.
Chinese offer for Fellaini
Premier League giants Manchester United powerhouse Marouane Fellaini has been linked with big money switch to China. The 5ft4 Man United midfielder has still featured regularly under Jose Mourinho, however, the club may think that they need to make changes in the squad to win once again Premier League title after recent struggles.
The former Everton man has made 15 top-flight appearances this season but only started once during their recent six-game winning streak. Fellaini could join his compatriot Axel Witsel in China as former Zenit star has agreed on big money switch toTianjin Quanjian a week ago.
Oscar is another Premier League star to have made the jump, completing a transfer to Shanghai SIPG this month. Meanwhile, Man United no.10 Wayne Rooney has been also linked with a big-money move to a Chinese club.
Mourinho confirms Schneiderlin leaving
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that Morgan Schneiderlin transfer to Everton is “very close”. Roland Koeman’s side have agreed a £22 million deal for 27-year-old midfielder who has fallen out-of-favour at Old Trafford since the arrival of Jose Mourinho.
Schneiderlin has found it tough with the Red Devils and has played for just 11 minutes in the Premier League this season. However, the midfielder could be an important signing for Ronald Koeman, who worked with the 27-year-old at Southampton before losing him to Old Trafford.
Everton may be hoping to have the deal completed in time for their game with Manchester City on Sunday, given that Idrissa Gueye has left for the African Cup of Nations – leaving them short in the middle of the park.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s loan move blocked
Timothy Fosu-Mensuah is unlikely to have his loan wish granted this month after holding face-to-face talks with Jose Mourinho.
The 19-year-old was an unused substitute in Manchester United’s 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Hull City on Tuesday evening. And, despite the talented Dutch starlet again not being afforded any additional minutes at Old Trafford, his manager doesn’t want to let him join another club at present.
The former Ajax academy graduate is also believed to be frustrated by a lack of playing time for United’s Under-23s, which is to avoid him risking an injury turning out for the second string. He has started only twice for the senior side this term – having made 10 appearances last season under previous boss Louis van Gaal.
United face Roma challenge in Kostas Manolas bid
Inter Milan have joined Manchester United in the battle for Roma defender Kostas Manolas. The Greece international has been a big hit in Italy since moving there from Olympiacos back in August 2014. Manolas has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for Roma and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Manchester United are reportedly keen to bring the centre-back to Old Trafford, while Everton, Chelsea and Juventus have also been earmarked as potential suitors. However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Inter are the ones pushing hard to sign Manolas this summer.
Schneiderlin replacement identified
Manchester United planning a £40 million bid for AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Daily Star says United boss Jose Mourinho has made him his No.1 midfield target for this summer. But he could now make his move in this month’s transfer window instead to keep him out of the clutches of his former club.
Monaco are determined to keep hold of the 22-year-old, who has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Europe. United’s decision to sell Schneiderlin to Everton for £22m is expected to see them accelerate their efforts to land Bakayoko as soon as possible.
Lyon to bid for Adnan Januzaj
Lyon have held talks with Adnan Januzaj about a possible move to France but his future remains unclear, his agent has said. Januzaj is on loan at Sunderland from Manchester United until the end of the season and agent Dirk De Vriese told Het Laatste Nieuws that any deal to take him to Lyon was far from being done.