Manchester United’s transfer chiefs are preparing for a summer that will make or break the club. The Red Devils, who rose from rock bottom to qualify for the Champions League, could have around £100m available to take part in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, and INEOS are willing to spend the money.
However, Cole Palmer is one player who will not move to Old Trafford. The 20-time European champion is not expected to compete for the England playmaker, especially as Chelsea are said to be asking for at least £90m to sign Palmer.
There were also hints that Palmer could leave the club this summer after another disappointing season for Chelsea, with the two-time European champions almost certainly missing out on Champions League qualification. That situation has been resolved after the former Manchester City ace came out and committed himself to the Blues for the time being.
However, the money saved by a £90m move and likely a £200,000-a-week contract for at least five years (totaling £142m) will be welcome within United’s recruitment team, as it can be used to focus on other targets. The most likely of these is Aurelien Choameny, who has been linked with joining the Old Trafford squad in the summer transfer window as United plan to revamp their midfield.
Choameni was involved in a brawl with Real Madrid teammate Federico Valverde, which resulted in both players being disciplined by Los Blancos. The Frenchman’s transfer fee could be up to £70m, with United in need of a replacement for Casemiro, who is due to leave at the end of the season.
United are reported to be desperate for multiple midfield reinforcements this summer, with West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes also a potential target. West Ham currently sit in the bottom three and could be considered for a reduced contract for the Portuguese ace if they drop to the second tier.
Fernandes’ transfer fee is valued at £30m by Transfermarkt, but it could drop further if West Ham are relegated to the Championship. Therefore, it means United can bank on two top quality players for the overall price that Palmer would cost.
