The big Man Utd cull
Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are the only Manchester United players “off limits” this summer, with the club prepared to listen to offers for the majority of their squad this summer, the Telegraph reports.
The United rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team will likely see Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial leave as free agents at the end of the season, while the future of Marcus Rashford is also in doubt.
“Although the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – around whom United hope to build a highly successful team in the years to come – will be strictly off limits to would-be suitors, the club are believed to be reluctant to narrow their options elsewhere within the squad.
“It means United could be willing to have conversations with interested parties, for example, over Rashford should any offers arrive that warrant serious discussion.”
Rashford to PSG unlikely
Following reports of the potential exodus at Manchester United, the i reports that Paris Saint-Germain will pursue other targets ahead of Rashford.
With Kylian Mbappe set to join Real Madrid in the summer, PSG will be looking to replace the France captain, although Rashford is not on their shortlist.
“United insiders have insisted Rashford is part of next season’s plans regardless, as they look to help him rekindle the kind of form that saw him plunder 30 goals in all competitions last term.
“However, given the need to raise funds for Ineos’ on-field transformation, it is believed a substantial offer for Rashford would be considered as part of a wider squad fire sale, something that has been planned from the moment Sir Jim Ratcliffe got his feet under the table at Old Trafford. Money raised from any Rashford exit would be classed as 100 per cent profit in the eyes of financial fair play regulators, making any departure even more appealing.”
Ajax want Ten Hag back
Ajax will look to reappoint Erik ten Hag this summer, according to the Daily Mail. Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is unclear beyond the end of the season, but should he be sacked then a return to the Netherlands could be forthcoming.
Ten Hag would not leave United for the Ajax role, and so the Dutch club will wait to find out his fate before considering other options.
“Having transformed Ajax into one of the most exciting teams in European football ahead of his departure in 2022, the iconic Dutch club have struggled during the post-Ten Hag era.
“They are currently fifth in the Eredivisie, 35 points adrift of leaders PSV. They finished third last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, 13 points behind champions Feyenoord.
“And the fact Ajax are in the midst of a transitional period is unlikely to appeal to Ten Hag.”
Salah and Liverpool set for showdown talks
Liverpool will hold talks with Mohamad Salah at the end of the season amid multiple reports claiming the club expect the player to stay beyond the summer. Salah was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last year, and it was thought the Egyptian may leave this summer while Liverpool can still get a fee for the winger.
All will be resolved in the summer, when incoming sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group president Michael Edwards speak to several key players.
“The club’s immediate priority was replacing Jurgen Klopp. Now that has effectively been done with an agreement in place for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, attention will shift to the senior players.
“Liverpool and Salah will have plenty to ponder. For the club, there must be a consideration as to whether a player who turns 32 in June should be offered an extended deal on the same lucrative terms.”
