Man Utd ‘offered’ transfer as Chelsea ‘close in’ on prime target

Manchester United endured a disastrous start to their new Premier League season, losing on the opening day.

Erik ten Hag’s men lost 2-1 at home to Brighton, and the defeat has sparked fresh anger from United fans, who are already talking about boycotting the next home clash amid frustration with the club’s owners.

In the meantime, United and ten Hag will be working frantically to get new signings over the line amid a slow summer so far.

The Red Devils need much more if they are going to compete at the top end of the Premier League.

And here we round up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Morata opportunity

United are said to have been offered the chance to sign Alvaro Morata this summer.

Morata has been left in limbo, with Juventus not yet moving to sign the striker permanently after a two-year loan spell.

According to ESPN, Morata, who has since returned to Atletico Madrid, has now been offered to United, who need a striker this summer.

Morata has just one year remaining on his current contract, and he could sign on a cut-price deal, but the Spaniard is not necessarily the traditional goalscorer United desire.

De Jong blow

The Red Devils could well miss out on a deal to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong has been United’s priority this summer, but according to Sport, Chelsea are now closing in on a £68.8million deal.

Barcelona, who need money and fast, are still yet to register a number of their new signings and with the La Liga season starting this weekend.

The sale of de Jong could be a big help, and Chelsea are looking to take full advantage.

Rangnick ignored

Ralf Rangnick was appointed by United on an interim basis last winter with the promise he would become an advisor afterwards.

But his time at United has been cut short, with Rangnick deciding to move on to take charge of Austria after a disappointing spell at United as interim boss.

He did try to serve as an advisor, only to be completely ignored by United.

According to the Daily Mail, not one of the five players Rangnick advised United to sign were actually signed.

Erling Haaland and Julian Alvares were recommended, but both were signed by City, while Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol and Konrad Laimer were also suggested.

United have not acted on any of those recommendations.