Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours: Red Devils set to bid £50m for Dimitri Payet
Dimitri Payet has had a wonderful year so far, starring for both West Ham and the France national team. It comes as no surprise that Payet is coveted by many top clubs across Europe and latest reports from France Football claim that Jose Mourinho is set to bid £50m to secure the services of the talented French midfielder.
It was reported that Payet was 100% happy staying at West Ham, but Payet’s agent, Jacques Olivier Auguste dismissed such suggestions saying:
"I am surprised by this information because Dimitri has not done an interview with any media outlet," Auguste said.
"The only thing that is certain is that he is enjoying his holiday, that he deserves, and he is licking the wounds caused by the Euro 2016 final defeat."
The report claims that both Manchester United and Inter Milan are weighing up bids for Payet, and the French midfielder could be convinced to leave West Ham.
Mourinho in his first press conference admitted that he wants to bring in four specialists in the summer transfer window.
"We made a nucleus of four positions as a priority to give a certain balance to the squad, and a push in terms of quality that I want," United manager explained.
"As you know, especially the ones with more vision, I am a manager that likes specialists, not multi-functional players."
Manchester United are in a long drawn pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, but if a deal for Pogba falls through, Mourinho might end up signing Payet and it could prove to be a very shrewd signing for the Red Devils.
Manchester United also considering a bid for James Rodriguez
United seem to be considering a serious rehaul of their squad and latest reports from Don Balon claim that they are also considering a move for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez.
Just after the FIFA 2014 World Cup, Real Madrid signed Rodriguez from Monaco in a mega deal of £80 million. He was handed the No. 10 shirt that was once possessed by Luis Figo. Having scored 25 goals in a total of 78 appearances, he has shown glimpses of talent in a Galactico shirt, but never cemented his place in the side.
Having spent just two seasons in Spain, speculations are high in the Madrid camp that the midfielder may leave this transfer window. There are rumored interests from French champions PSG and West Ham United in the past few days for the midfielder’s signature. However, United are in the driver’s seat to land the Colombian.
It would be a heavy loss for the defending Champions League winners to allow Rodriguez leave at such a low price. But considering the fact that there will be few takers to match Real’s hefty asking price, and Zidane’s unconvincing stance regarding the player, United may just find it easy to get the deal materialized.