Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils offer £50 million for Serie A ace; club pushing for French star, and more - June 26, 2024
Manchester United won the FA Cup but finished eighth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign. Erik ten Hag will be desperate for improvements next season and is expected to use the summer to the fullest.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are willing to offer £50 million for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Elsewhere, the English giants have set their sights on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 26, 2024:
Manchester United offer £50 million for Ademola Lookman
Manchester United are willing to offer £50 million for the services of Ademola Lookman, according to Calciomercato. The 26-year-old was exceptional for Atalanta in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 17 goals and setting up 10 in 45 games across competitions.
Lookman etched his name in club folklore by scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, helping the Serie A team get their hands on the trophy. His efforts have caused a stir at Old Trafford, where the first team's form in front of the goal has fans worried.
The Red Devils finished the 2023-24 campaign with a negative goal difference in the Premier League. Ten Hag is eager to find a solution in the transfer market, and Lookman could be a fantastic choice for the job.
Manchester United face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for the Nigerian. However, the Red Devils have a co-ordial relationship with Atalanta following the recent transfers of Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. As such, they could have an advantage in the race for Lookman.
Red Devils pushing for Adrien Rabiot
Manchester United are eager to secure the services of Adrien Rabiot this summer, according to TEAMTALK. Rabiot will become a free agent at the end of this week, and the Premier League giants are eager to lap him up this summer.
Ten Hag is expected to revamp his midfield before the start of the new campaign. Casemiro is expected to leave, while Christian Eriksen could also be on his way. Understandably, reinforcements in the middle of the park are in order at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has unearthed a gem in Kobbie Mainoo and is now looking for his ideal partner in midfield. Rabiot has the experience and expertise to help Mainoo flourish. The Frenchman's availability on a Bosman move could be the icing on the cake.
The Red Devils are already in regular contact with the player's camp to discuss a possible move this summer. However, they face competition from Arsenal for the 29-year-old.
Everton reject swap deal for Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton have rejected Manchester United's swap deal offer for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Liverpool Echo. The English defender has emerged as a priority target for the Red Devils, who have identified him as the ideal replacement for Raphael Varane.
The 21-year-old was outstanding for the Toffees in the 2023-24 campaign, and Ten Hag is eager to see him at Old Trafford this summer. However, the Merseyside club are holding out for a premium to part ways with their prized asset.
Manchester United have reportedly submitted their opening offer of £35 million for Branthwaite, which has fallen well short of Everton's asking price of £70 million. The Red Devils have now offered Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof in exchange for the Englishman, but their proposal has been rejected by the Toffees.