Manchester United transfer news LIVE with the latest updates on Mason Mount and the Man Utd takeover
Catch up on the day’s breaking Manchester Utd news, feed rumors and opinion into the Manchester Evening News live blog.
Manchester United are just one more point away from the Premier League to return to the top of European football.
A draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford in their next match will put United back into the Champions League and give manager Erik ten Hag a welcome edge in the summer transfer market. The Reds have already drawn up their target list and the manager is keen to add a new world-class centre-forward, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane at the top of his wish list, as well as a younger and more dynamic midfielder.
Recent reports have linked the Old Trafford outfit with a transfer of Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar, although it seems unlikely he would sign the Brazilian. Meanwhile, Glazers’ attempts to sell the club continue, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe remaining the main contenders for a purchase.
A preferred bidder could be announced by the end of the week, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim hoping for clarification by Friday.
Lampard ahead of United
Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard has urged his players to put on a show against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Londoners will head north to end a two-game winning streak and end United’s hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League. The Reds need just one point from their last two games to complete the two goals above. Chelsea, on the other hand, have had nothing but pride to offer in their last two games. They endured one of their worst seasons in history, leaving them no higher than 11th in the Premier League table.
They suffered their fifth defeat in seven league games since Lampard’s return to top spot on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Manchester City on a cheery afternoon for the home side at the Etihad Stadium. Although the current circumstances at City and United are completely different, Lampard is preparing his players in the same way.
United fans divided over Mason Mount links
Athletic claim that if the England international fails to negotiate a new contract with Chelsea, he would prefer to join Erik ten Hag’s side. The Dutchman’s priority is to sign a striker in the next transfer window, but midfield appears to be another area United are keen to strengthen.
Ex-Chelsea man on Mount’s future
Oscar discussed the speculation surrounding the Chelsea midfielder with talkSPORT today.
I think when you have a difficult season, not only for Mount but also for the team, it’s difficult to talk about the players. When you have a difficult season, many people think players don’t deserve to stay in the team.
But I think Chelsea have a lot of good young players. Sometimes it’s best to keep these players and see if the coach wants them for the team. Maybe he [Mount] can come back and play at the level that he can play.
Of course he wants to play and he wants to play more. I think if he’s not happy at Chelsea sometimes it’s better to find another team. If he’s still happy and if he wants to try and be a great player at Chelsea, he should stay. What Mason Mount said about his future
I have always been very focused on my football since my academy days. I know the media attention is much more focused on me now, but I don’t care too much about it. I block it
Jurrien Timber sent a transfer alert
Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has warned Jurrien Timber of the difficulties he will face if he leaves Ajax as he considers a move to Manchester United.
Timber has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the defender tipped to join former manager Erik ten Hag. After requesting the signing of Timber last year, United eventually opted to sign Lisandro Martinez instead. That hasn’t stopped the links however, with another impressive one-man season generating interest across Europe. Ten Hag is said to be keeping an eye on defensive reinforcements this summer, while Harry Maguire’s future is uncertain. Eric Bailly is likely to leave this summer and Phil Jones’ departure has already been confirmed.