The Hard Tackle looks at Manchester United players linked with a move away, with Alex Telles, Donny van de Beek and Daniel James all featuring.
It’s only been days since Manchester United finally announced the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. The whole deal had been dragging on for nearly two years, and fans are delighted it got over the line after all. Now the same fans have to deal with news of some departures, with many players linked with a summer exit.
Among the many stories linking Manchester United players away from Old Trafford, Alex Telles, Daniel James and Donny van de Beek are prominently featured by publications. There’s also a story on Jadon Sancho after he signed up for Manchester United while still being with England at UEFA Euro 2020.
It won’t be surprising that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will clear out some players who might not feature heavily in the next campaign. Understandably, these sales could be necessary to fund further transfers, especially if United go ahead with their interest in Raphael Varane. The Hard Tackle analyses some of the stories linking Manchester United players away from Old Trafford.
Alex Telles linked with Inter Milan return
According to Calciomercato, Inter Milan are interested in bringing Alex Telles back to the club amid his lack of game time at Old Trafford. The Brazil full-back only signed with Manchester United last summer from Porto but could see himself out of the club due to Luke Shaw’s form at left-back.
Telles played with Inter back in 2015 for a solitary season before joining FC Porto the next season permanently from Galatasaray. The Brazilian joined Manchester United last summer for around £14 million and has since struggled for game time.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are raising as much money as possible owing to their difficult financial situation. They are even set to sell Achraf Hakimi to PSG and many more names are expected to depart. Ashley Young left for Aston Villa, while the likes of Ivan Perisic and Federico Dimarco are also set to be sold, making the left side of the team pretty weak.
Inter have identified Telles as one of their targets, but we suspect only a loan offer could be on the table due to their financial condition. Manchester United could be tempted to take Telles’ wages off their books and look at inserting a buy option in the contract if Inter’s pursuit is any serious.
Real Madrid want Donny van de Beek in Raphael Varane deal
According to The Sun, Real Madrid are keen on Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek and want the midfielder included in a deal for Raphael Varane. The Spanish giants are not talking part exchange but a loan deal for van de Beek, while it could also affect their asking price for Varane.
Donny van de Beek has only made four starts in his 19 Premier League appearances for Manchester United. Despite United paying a hefty £35 million and beating Real Madrid for his signature, Solskjaer did not trust the player enough to play him more. Now Real Madrid want van de Beek to be a part of the Varane deal.
For Varane, Real Madrid are demanding £50 million despite having only a year left on his deal. Since they have now requested van de Beek on loan as part of a move to sell Varane, Manchester United will be looking to negotiate the price down to an acceptable sum. Real Madrid cannot make a permanent offer due to their financial situation but could ask for a loan deal.
The report suggests a loan for van de Beek with an option to buy him next summer. Additionally, Jadon Sancho’s arrival could also directly affect how many games the Dutchman plays next season. Real Madrid could use their past interest to lure van de Beek to Spain and conclude a smart deal with Manchester United.
Jadon Sancho solely focused on England duty.
A story on Goal quoted new Manchester United star Jadon Sancho as saying that his focus remains with England. The Three Lions’ winger remained unfazed about his move to Manchester United after both clubs reached an agreement over a transfer.
Sancho talked to journalists, who were obliged to ask him about Manchester United, as the move and England’s Ukraine game coincided. Sancho also made his first start at UEFA Euro 2020 in that game. However, the winger suggests his focus lies solely with England and their European campaign.
Sancho said, To be fair, I don’t want to talk about Manchester United. Right now, I just want to focus on England,”
When asked about how he felt about the Ukraine game itself, which also happened to be his first start of the tournament in England colours, he said, “I’m feeling over the moon. Today was a must-win, and I’m just happy to have got an opportunity to play. This is a special moment for me.”
If Sancho starts and stars in the semi-final against Denmark, expect more Manchester United based questions directed at the winger again. Until then, we shall wait for news if he starts the next game.
Brighton interested in Daniel James.
According to The Sun, Brighton are interested in taking Daniel James from Manchester United. There is uncertainty regarding his future at Old Trafford, and Graham Potter would like to work with James again, having been his coach at Swansea City previously.
Under Potter, James played some of his best football. Despite joining Manchester United two years ago, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer considers James as a squad player at best. The arrival of Jadon Sancho could further diminish his role in the side, considering last season James only started four games in the Premier League.
Potter wants to add attacking quality in the side as the manager expects to raise funds through transfers of his prized assets such as Ben White and Yves Bissouma. The Brighton boss would like to sign James permanently, but Manchester United might ask upwards of £20 million considering they got him for around £16 million from Swansea in 2019.
Alternatively, Potter would like to bring the pacey winger on loan if necessary and further discuss a permanent transfer after the season. James has become a key member of Wales’ national side in recent times, and his role in the team at the Euros signified that claim. To further cement his reputation, James will be hoping the next season brings many games under his belt, which may not be possible playing for Manchester United.
