Man Utd ‘weigh up’ swoop for £86m Tottenham target, Chelsea could ‘legitimately’ sign Old Trafford star

Manchester United head into the weekend looking to reaffirm their status as top four contenders with a win over Newcastle United.

The two sides meet at Old Trafford on Sunday, with just one point separating them in the table. For their part, the Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners over Everton in their last outing, while the Magpies swept aside Brentford in a dominant 5-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

But before we get to the action on the pitch, there’s still plenty of transfer speculation to work through. Here are Thursday’s United-related rumours...

United eye Maddison

United are considering a move for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, but will face competition from their Premier League rivals, according to Fichajes.

The 25-year-old has been at the centre of widespread speculation in recent months, with Newcastle United heavily linked with a potential swoop. The Foxes were able to hang on to their star player in the summer, and this latest update suggests that the former Premier League champions would not be willing to part with him for anything less than £86 million. Maddison has registered five goals and two assists in eight top flight matches so far this term.

Despite his lofty valuation, it is claimed that United are “weighing” up the prospect of an attempt to try and lure the playmaker to Old Trafford, but they are not the only club interested. Tottenham Hotspur have also been touted as potential suitors. It is understood, however, that at this stage, Newcastle remain the only side to have made any meaningful approach.

Ronaldo exit touted

Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential exit continues to stir up its fair share of speculation around Old Trafford.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a historic week, notching his 700th club career goal in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton. But despite reaching that landmark, it is suggested that the forward could still look to leave United in the near future.

According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo has given his agent Jorge Mendes “a clear mandate, which is to find him a club other than his current one in the next transfer window”. As such, Chelsea and the player’s former employers Real Madrid have both been touted as potential destinations should he leave the Red Devils in January. It is suggested that they are the only clubs who “can legitimately give him the transfer he wants”.