Manchester United ‘prepare’ summer transfer bid as De Ligt, Rice, and Phillips decisions made

Manchester United’s shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough on Friday night means that their wait for a domestic trophy looks set to go on for another season.

Ralf Rangnick’s men crashed out of the competition on penalties after squandering a number of gilt-edged chances, and must now rest their hopes for the campaign on a Champions League run and the prospect of a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Understandably, given United’s continued lack of silverware and a quiet January transfer window, speculation has already begun to mount over the club’s potential summer recruitment drive.

We’ve gathered up some of the latest transfer stories involving the Red Devils below...

The race is on for Araujo

Despite the arrival of Raphael Varane last summer, United still look to be in need of defensive reinforcements, and according to reports in Spain, they could turn their attention to Uruguayan star Ronald Araujo.

The 22-year-old is said to have halted talks over a possible contract extension with current club Barcelona, and the Red Devils have been alerted to his situation.

Marca claim that United are already “preparing” a summer transfer bid for the player, whose deal in Catalonia expires in 2023.

Rangnick’s side might not have it all their own way in the battle for his services, however, with Spanish publication Sport suggesting that neighbours Manchester City are also interested.

Red Devils keen on de Ligt

Araujo isn’t the only promising young defender on United’s radar, however.

According to CalcioMercato, the Red Devils are also interested in making a move for Juventus’ Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

Again, it may prove to be a difficult battle, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona also keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, and with his contract in Turin not set to expire until 2024, chances are he would not come cheap either.

Lowdown on midfield reinforcements

Arguably more so than any other position on the pitch, you would imagine that United will consider bringing in midfield reinforcements this summer.

ESPN seemingly support that assumption with their latest report on the club’s transfer plans, claiming that the Red Devils have compiled an extensive list of potential targets.

West Ham United’s Declan Rice, Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara are all mentioned, with the implication being that Rice would be their preferred acquisition.