Man Utd ‘eye’ £50m Declan Rice alternative amid Darwin Nunez price tag blow

Manchester United are preparing for one of the biggest games of their season this weekend.

The Red Devils are in need of a pick-me-up after their disappointing draw with strugglers Watford over the weekend, and there are few better games to spark momentum than the Manchester derby.

This weekend represents a big chance for Ralf Rangnick’s men to reclaim some much-needed confidence by denting City’s title hopes and bolstering their own top-four bid.

In the meantime, the talk over a new manager and indeed new signings continues behind the scenes, with a big summer ahead for United.

And here we focus on all the latest transfer rumours surrounding Old Trafford:

Tchouameni contact

United are said to have made contact over another defensive midfield target.

The Red Devils are looking to snap up a midfielder this summer to replace the likely outgoing Paul Pogba.

And according to the latest reports from L’Equipe, United have made contact with Monaco over Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tchouameni has been linked with Arsenal in the past and he could be an alternative to the expensive Declan Rice.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked, but United could edge the £50million race.

New Nunez price

United could also move for a striker this summer, with Edinson Cavani likely to leave at the end of his contract.

And Benfica’s Darwin Nunez is one player who has been linked, but he could be about to become significantly more expensive.

Nunez was reportedly valued at £50m by Benfica amid West Ham United interest earlier this season, but Record (via the Express) now say that value has risen ahead of the summer.

Livramento problem

United are also said to be considering a move for Southampton right-back Tino Livramento.

According to Calciomercato, United are considering a move with uncertainty over Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the right-back role.

It’s unclear how much he would cost, but Chelsea are said to have a buy-back clause which would require them to pay around £38m, and that could put them ahead in the race, especially with Cesar Azpilicueta’s future unclear.