‘Talks underway’ – Fabrizio Romano drops update on £67m star after Man Utd 'compete' for transfer

After a busy summer of recruitment, Manchester United are not expecting to have another busy transfer window as Ruben Amorim weighs up potential incomings. The Red Devils have a very small budget to work with this month that will only be increased if they can generate funds through player sales.

Amorim is keen to sign a left wing-back and bolster his attacking options this month but as things stand any transfers are likely to come in the form of a loan. There has, however, been players linked with departures with Marcus Rashford being eyed by a number of clubs in Europe and the Premier League after revealing his desire to seek a new challenge. Meanwhile, Casemiro has reportedly agreed a move to the Saudi Pro League this month.

One attacking star linked with a move to Old Trafford is Napoli winger Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian international is ‘admired’ by Premier League rivals Liverpool while he’s also a target for Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. In the summer, his father Badri and agent Mamuka Jugeli started looking to facilitate a move for the winger as he said at the time: “We want to leave Napoli, but we’re waiting for the end of the Euros. Our priority is to move to a team that plays Champions League.”

United ‘to compete’ for signing

On Thursday morning, it emerged via French national newspaper L’Equipe that United are ready to offer competition to PSG for Kvaratskhelia’s signature. The newspaper cites Rashford’s potential departure this month as a key factor in the deal but PSG are still considered frontrunners.

After the claims from L’Equipe, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that the Parc de Princes club were stepping up their pursuit of Kvaratskhelia, who has a £67m price tag on his head. Romano said on X late on Thursday night: “Direct negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain are ongoing, as revealed today. Talks underway. Kvaratskhelia’s camp, discussing terms with PSG as they’re offering over x4 his current salary.”

Napoli are seeking to extend the player’s contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2027. However, widespread reports have claimed that the player has yet to respond to the latest offer from the Serie A club with his heart appearing to be set on a move away.

Amorim discusses transfer plans

Amorim addressed the media on Friday as United gear up for their FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Asked about transfer plans, he said: "The first thing I think is… I don’t remember to say clearly that I want new players. What I said is that sometimes the profile for this system is different, and the players came here with a different idea of how to play.

“So I don’t remember saying that so clearly, that I want new players. What I said is that we need to improve recruitment. When we are targeting players, we need to be sure that they will cope with the demands. Sometimes, you have to bet a little bit. And what I also said is that we have to improve our Academy, to bring young kids that fills the club in the right way, and also with that rules, we are able to do some business and have some money to invest in the team. Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players that we build for this club. But we know the position that the club is in at the moment, but we will see. I’m very happy, I like our players, especially the guys from our Academy.

"My players are always my favourites. I really love my players. I want to keep my players, especially the talented ones. Like I said, it’s a special moment in this club, it’s a hard moment, but, of course, I’m really happy with Kobbie [Mainoo], he’s improving, and also with Garna [Alejandro Garnacho]. We will see, guys. Let’s focus on the game. They are available, they are training, we will see the selection for this game. They have to focus just on playing the next game."