Man Utd ‘begin talks’ as they look to land £51m South American duo
Man Utd are interested in bringing Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius and Velez Sarsfield playmaker Thiago Almada to Old Trafford, according to reports.
The noises coming out of Man Utd indicate that they will be investing in players this summer despite executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward admitting that continuing speculation around big-money transfers “ignore the realities that face the sport” right now.
A striker will be top of their priorities when they are allowed to sign players with Odion Ighalo joining in January on loan to provide cover for Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and youngster Mason Greenwood.
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And after Man Utd were linked with Vinicius in the Spanish media yesterday – with rumours of a possible €40m (£35m) bid and talks- the Portuguese tabloids have jumped all over the story.
Record (via Sport Witness) claims that ‘despite the interest’ Man Utd still have to ‘make it formal’ with an offer, with Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira confident he can get €100m for Vinicius.
Another Portuguese outlet O Jogo says that Benfica want to hang onto their star striker – who has scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists this season – and are preparing to offer the Brazilian a new contract, while the report adds that Man Utd are yet to submit an offer.
Vinicius isn’t the only South American that Man Utd have been linked with on Monday with claims from TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness) that Velez Sarsfield’s Almada has emerged as a target for the Red Devils as they look for more creativity in midfield.
The headline on the Italian website says ‘Manchester United, contacts have started for Almada…’ who has a €25m (£22m) release clause in his contract.
However, the report adds that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team want to land the Argentinian for €18m (£16m) despite reported interest from neighbours Manchester City.
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