Man Utd in ‘direct contact’ for midfielder deal, Red Devils table ‘unattainable’ bid for Liverpool target

Manchester United could be in for a pivotal summer of recruitment.

The Red Devils have welcomed new manager Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford, and will now look to build a squad capable of allowing him to shift the club in the right direction.

Unsurprisingly, speculation continues to come thick and fast, and with that in mind, here is Sunday’s Manchester United transfer news...

De Jong deal ‘still on’

Manchester United are still in “direct contact” with Barcelona over a deal for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the former Ajax man this summer, as they look to rebuild their squad under new manager Erik ten Hag.

And Romano has intervened to provide an update on the situation.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, the Italian journalist said: “Manchester United and Barca, still in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“Deal still on, his salary will be really huge next season - this is the main problem for Barca.

“MUFC €60m (£51.5m) plus €10m (£8.6m) bid turned down last week - Barca want €85m (£73m) fee.

“Frenkie, still calm and waiting.”

United table Raphinha bid

Manchester United have reportedly outbid Barcelona for Leeds United star Raphinha.

The Brazilian winger is widely expected to leave Elland Road this summer, and has a whole host of clubs interested in signing him.

According to Sport, United are part of that chasing pack, alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, as well as La Liga giants Barcelona.

The continental outlet also suggest that the Red Devils have tabled a bid for the player - and their offer could prove to be “unattainable” for financially-challenged Barca.

Complications could arise, however, from the fact that the player’s agent, Deco, is still working hard to ensure his client moves to the Nou Camp instead of Old Trafford.