Jack Butland already making a January loan move to Old Trafford, potential January move possible while summer spend from Man Utd looks likely
Manchester United may see Wot Weghorst as a short-term solution to their offensive issues, but Erik ten Haag’s side have bigger ambitions in the long run.
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the middle of the season has prompted speculation about significant investment in attack, and it could well be the case that Erik ten Haag is on the lookout for a marquee signing in the summer. Qualifying for the Champions League will help in that regard, with the upcoming Manchester derby reminiscent of the 2020-21 runners-up standing in relation to the rest of the top four.
Some familiar names are hitting the headlines as news of the big-money summer approaches, but there are also some fresh reports from England and beyond. Here are the latest lines around Old Trafford.
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Kane among summer goals
Manchester United are expected to go for a big-name striker in the summer, with Harry Kane one of their targets. That’s according to ESPN, who name the England captain among three potential signings.
The other two players linked with the summer move are familiar names to Man Utd fans. Victor Osimhen has long been linked with a move away from Napoli, who currently lead Serie A, while youngster Benjamin Cesco remains on their radar after failing to materialize a 2022 move.
Slovenia forward Cesco remains at Red Bull Salzburg, where he kicked off after a breakout season last term. RB Leipzig have a deal in place to bring him to Germany in the summer, but ESPN reports that a fresh offer could yet see the Bundesliga side walk out of the deal and the 19-year-old could end up at Old Trafford.
Walker-Peters right-back option
Man Utd have joined Chelsea in the race for Kyle Walker-Peters, according to talkSPORT. The right-back is under contract with Southampton until 2025 but has reportedly held out on a new deal.
Walker-Peters has been with the South Coast club since 2020, when he joined on an initial loan from Tottenham. He has been a regular under both Ralph Hasenhuttl and Nathan Jones this season, and scored his only goal of the campaign against Leeds in August.
United’s pursuit of the England international is likely to hinge on the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The £50m man, who made his first start of the season in December, has been linked with the likes of West Ham and Wolves.
bernard targeting loan move
After a long recovery from injury, academy talent De’Shaun Bernard is eyeing a January loan move. That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who report the defender is keen to spend the rest of the season in the Championship.
Centre-back Bernard waaaaaaaaaaas sidelined with injury until December. However, he returned to feature in a mid-season friendly against Cadiz and most recently captained United’s under-21 team in a Premier League 2 win over Fulham.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Hull City, helping the Tigers stay in the Championship after winning promotion last year. Any move could require assurance of playing time in the second tier, reports MEN.