Man Utd plot swap deal for ‘substantial discount’, Red Devils battle Chelsea for ‘£34m’ sensation

Manchester United continue to be at the centre of more than their fair share of transfer gossip this summer.

The Red Devils are expected to embark on something of a rebuild under new manager Erik ten Hag, and show no signs of easing up on their recruitment drive any time soon.

With that in mind, here is Tuesday’s United-related transfer speculation...

Ronaldo set for Spanish return?

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly convinced Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone to sign him this summer.

The Portuguese icon has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford in recent weeks, but has failed to garner a significant level of interest, with the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich ruling themselves out of the running for his signature.

According to an update from Diario AS, however, Ronaldo’s representatives have spoken with Atletico boss Simeone, and have subsequently persuaded him to make a move to take the veteran forward back to Madrid - with the player having previously enjoyed enormous success with city rivals Real.

It is also suggested that Simeone loves the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and has always considered him to be the “number one” player in world football.

United linked with Endrick

United are one of the clubs interested in signing Brazilian youth sensation Endrick from Palmeiras this summer, according to respected journalist Jorge Nicola.

The 15-year-old is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in global football, and has been dubbed the “next Neymar”.

Understandably, with that kind of hype surrounding the striker, a number of Europe’s top clubs are said to be interested in signing him, with the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain all touted as suitors alongside the Red Devils.

The Sun claim that Endrick has a release clause of £34 million written into his contract in Brazil, with that figure set to rise to £43 million in 2023, and £50 million in 2024.

United plot Milan swap

United could look to use Donny van de Beek as a makeweight in a potential swap deal for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, according to continental reports.

It is understood that the Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Algerian international, and may look to offer the struggling Dutchman in the hope of securing a “substantial discount” on his £38.4 million valuation.

The prospect of a part exchange has been touted as an “attractive prospect” for the Serie A champions.