Manchester United ‘watching’ Chelsea star as Reds ‘wait in wings’ amid £75m links

As the inquest into Manchester United’s shock FA Cup Fourth Round exit at the hands of Middlesbrough continues, there’s plenty of speculation doing the rounds with regards to who they could look to bolster their squad with at the end of the season.

Transfer stories are never too far away from the agenda at Old Trafford, and it’s been another busy weekend of gossip in the red half of Manchester.

We’ve gathered up a handful of the latest rumours below to examine in more detail...

United ‘watching’ Rudiger

One of the most protracted contract sagas currently rumbling on in the Premier League involves Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger.

The German defender, who has enjoyed a stellar campaign in West London, could become a free agent in the summer, and is understood to be seeking a salary increase that would see him earn around £225,000-a-week.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea’s latest informal offer was closer to the £200,00-a-week mark, and the persistent uncertainty surrounding his future has alerted a number of European clubs.

Real Madrid and PSG are both said to have offered the player pre-contractual agreements to sign with them in the summer, but Man United are also keen and are understood to be “watching developments closely”.

Reds set for Gnabry battle

From one contract rebel to another, Man United are also said to be in the running to sign Serge Gnabry from Bayern Munich.

The former Arsenal man has gone from strength to strength since returning to Germany in 2016, but is said to be involved in something of a stand-off with Bayern chiefs over a potential extension to his current deal in Bavaria.

The 26-year-old isn’t out of contract until 2023, but there is an understandable eagerness to secure his long-term future if possible.

And that’s where United step in.

According to Sky Germany, the Reds are “waiting in the wings” to pounce with an offer for the player, but again, they could face serious competition for his signature.

Bitter rivals Liverpool are also understood to be monitoring his situation, as are Barcelona and Real Madrid.

United in for Isak?

Alexander Isak is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand young talents in the European game.

The Swedish striker has been linked with a host of top teams in recent times, including Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal last month, but it is understood that United are the latest club to emerge as potential suitors.

According to the Mirror, the Reds and Chelsea are both keen on the Real Sociedad star, with Ralf Rangnick’s men regarding him as a possible successor to Cristiano Ronaldo.

How much Isak would cost remains to be seen, however, with the 22-year-old having a £75 million release clause written into his contract in Spain.