Michael Carrick is looking to add further signings to his Manchester United rebuild ahead of the start of the new Premier League season and the Red Devils will need to move quickly to secure a bargain defender
Michael Carrick is looking to add further signings to his Manchester United rebuild despite landing two new midfielders last month.
A tough start to the summer window saw the Red Devils miss out on priority targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, but United were able to turn the tide and signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, as well as backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
United have followed those additions up by adding several promising young talents. Most recently, Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco was brought in from Fortaleza in his native country. However, United need to add more signings before the end of the end of the window, and here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news from Old Trafford.
Decision on Lucumi imminent
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United are running out of time to decide whether to meet Bologna’s valuation for Jhon Lucumi. The Colombian defender is expected to fetch around £21m and is not short of potential buyers.
Lucumi, a centre-back, is also on Juventus’ radar. However, Italian reports suggest that United or Premier League rivals Chelsea could gain an advantage by agreeing to a price that Juve have so far been hesitant to match.
Corriere di Bologna reports that United are among the clubs contemplating meeting Bologna’s asking price and have the means to do so. The player is reportedly only interested in a move to a ‘big club’, which could give the Red Devils an edge.
The 28 year old has clocked up over 100 Serie A matches for Bologna, some of them alongside Joshua Zirkzee before the striker transferred to Old Trafford. He was also part of Colombia’s World Cup squad that made it to the round of 16 under Nestor Lorenzo.
He’s come into focus after a £60m bid for Lewis Hall was rejected. Newcastle United are insistent he’ll remain with them following several significant departures this summer.
Vitek clause
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek has officially departed United for Middlesbrough. The Czech youngster has cost the Championship side £7m, but United have protected their interests should his stock rise on Teesside.
According to the MEN, the deal – potentially worth up to £14m with add-ons – includes a buy-back clause and matching rights. There’s also a 35 per cent sell-on clause, potentially providing the club with a financial boost they’ve missed out on in the past when players have excelled after leaving.
“The mission is clear: to go to the Premier League,” Vitek stated after joining Kim Hellberg’s team. “I think everyone at the club has that mindset, and I want the same thing. Now I just can’t wait to get started.”