Panicky Man United trigger Godin release clause, but…

Matt Stead

Manchester United have triggered Diego Godin’s Atletico Madrid release clause – but are unlikely to sign the centre-half.

With Jose Mourinho craving a new defender throughout the entire summer, United have set about targeting about 70% of the European population.

Moves for Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina and Jerome Boateng have fallen by the wayside, while Toby Alderweireld remains a distant possibility to join from Tottenham.

Mourinho stated on Thursday that it was unlikely United were going to sign anyone else this transfer window, but reports suggest the club are still trying ahead of the 5pm deadline.

Godin emerged as a surprise target on Thursday, and it has since been claimed that United have actually triggered the Uruguayan’s release clause at Atletico.

The Guardian state that fee is £22.5m, while Sky Sports report it as £18m.

The latter also say United offered Godin £150,000 a week in wages, but it seems the player himself will not agree to the move.

The Guardian claim that Godin ‘would prefer to stay at his current club’, who could open contract negotiations themselves as a result of the interest.