Manchester United could sign Erling Haaland for just £17m in January, PSG want Real Madrid to include Vinicius Junior in any potential Kylian Mbappe bid and more Transfer News: 6th December 2019
December is already here and the year is about to end. While people around the globe gear up for the festive season, the football world prepares for a festival of its own too. The winter transfer window is less than a month away and transfer fever has already gripped the minds of football fans. Without wasting any further time, let us look at the top transfer stories from today right now.
#1 Manchester United could sign Erling Haaland for just £17m in January
Erling Haaland is one of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment. The teenage striker has been constantly in the news this season, thanks to his goal-scoring antics. The Norwegian has managed 27 goals from 20 goals for Red Bull Salzburg already this season and has attracted the attention of a host of clubs around Europe so far, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils failed to replace Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian’s departure in the summer and the absence of a proper No. 9 has hurt their chances this season. United have been inconsistent in front of goal, and as a result, their interest in Haaland is justified. However, while it was previously thought that the young striker would cost the Premier League giants an arm and a leg, recent reports coming out of Germany will certainly cheer up the mood at Old Trafford.
According to German news outlet Bild, Haaland has a clause in his contract that could see him leave for as low as £17m. However, the news outlet also adds that Borussia Dortmund are leading the race for his signature right now and United are one of the many clubs currently in the mix. However, the fact that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has worked with the youngster during his time with Molde will give United fans a reason to look forward to January.
#2 PSG want Vinicius Junior in any potential Kylian Mbappe bid
We now move on to more news on Real Madrid’s quest to sign Kylian Mbappe. It seems that Paris Saint Germain have resigned to the possibility of their star striker moving to Madrid in the near future. However, the Ligue 1 giants are still attempting to flex their muscles and work the deal in their favour. Spanish news outlet AS reports that PSG’s stance on their French star has changed and now Sporting Director Leonardo wants the Spanish giants to include Vinicius Junior in any deal for Mbappe.
Real Madrid previously had a lot of hopes rested on their Brazilian prodigy, however, current boss Zinedine Zidane is yet to be impressed with the player. The Frenchman instead wants Mbappe to join him at the Santiago Bernabeu, even going on record to state that he was in love with his countryman. As such, Zidane might not be averse to including Vinicius Junior in the deal.
Leonardo, on the other hand, believes that the Brazilian is destined for greatness and is keen to bring his countryman to the French capital. The deal has the potential to be a win-win situation for all parties, so we could be hearing a lot more about this from now until the end of the season.
#3 Jadon Sancho has no intention of leaving Dortmund in January
Jadon Sancho has been making the headlines recently, as news emerged of a growing rift with Borussia Dortmund. The rumor mills had gone on an overdrive to report an impending move to Liverpool in the near future. However, German news outlet Bild now reveals that Sancho has no intention of leaving the Bundesliga club in January.
The Englishman has continued last season’s brilliant run of form this term and has already scored 7 goals and registered 9 assists from 19 games in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were among the managers reportedly keen on the player, but it seems like they will have to hold their horses for now.
Sancho continues to be a vital member of the Black and Yellows and it appears that senior members of the squad have sat down with the youngster for an open talk, which has led to a change of heart.
#4 Mike Phelan reveals Manchester United still want superstar signings
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has assured club supporters that the Red Devils still want to add superstars to their team. The Premier League giants had seen a radical change in transfer strategy since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last December. The Norwegian has displayed a reference for young players who can be molded into future superstars, a stark contrast from the previous managers’ preferences towards established names. However, Mike Phelan has revealed in an interview with the Evening Standard that United still have space in their squad for marquee signings.
I think there has got to be a blend
I think Manchester United still do want superstars, but I think they still want to see them coming through and progressing and being part of something special.
However, Phelan also acknowledged that it is not just football superstars who make fans root for Manchester United. Rather, it is the love for the tradition surrounding the club that makes the Premier League giants such an enticing unit.
They [fans] don’t just support them for the superstars, they support them because they can embrace the whole tradition of the football club.
There’s no doubt that ahead of the winter transfer window, this news will be music to the ears of United fans, who will be hoping that the Red Devils can complete deals for some stellar names by the end of January.
#5 Patrick Vieira is being considered for the Arsenal job
Gunners legend Freddie Ljungberg might have been drafted in to steady the ship at the Emirates, but it’s clear that Arsenal are currently looking for the perfect replacement to Unai Emery. Of the many names doing the rounds, one that will make Gunners fans sit up and take notice is Patrick Vieira. The former Gunners midfielder, who was a part of the Invincibles, is currently at the helm of Ligue 1 side Nice. The Guardian reports that the Frenchman has impressed the management at the Premier League club, who are seriously considering him for the full-time position.
When asked about the reported interest from his former club, the Frenchman had this response
There is nothing to say about it
There is nothing serious, nothing real. I have no comments to make about that.
Vieira won 3 Premier Leagues and 3 F.A. Cups with the Gunners and could be the latest star player to manage their former team in the Premier League, alongside the likes of Frank Lampard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for the latest transfer news.