Man Utd news LIVE: Jadon Sancho talks; Dortmund want £70m, staff issue over Koulibaly

Manchester United news and gossip is coming thick and fast. Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the very latest from Old Trafford.

Man Utd: Koulibaly 'best defender that can be signed' says pundit

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Friday, February 15

  • Milan Skriniar is the most likely defensive arrival for Manchester United
  • Inter Milan are demanding a world-record fee for a defender
  • Kalidou Koulibaly has ‘split opinion’ between Manchester United staff
  • Manchester United could sell Eric Bailly if the club bag a mega-money defender

Jadon Sancho to Manchester United

Manchester United made contact with Borussia Dortmund to discuss the signing of Jadon Sancho.

That’s according to The Sun, who claim Dortmund quoted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a whopping £70million for the England international.

Sancho's story has been well publicised this year following the decision to turn his back on Manchester City in August 2017 in order to get more game time - one that has seen him burst into the limelight.

He’s since scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions.

However, should Ed Woodward and the United board agree to pay Dortmund’s £70m valuation - City will be entitled to 15 per cent because of a sell-on clause inserted in their original deal with Dortmund.

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Marco Veratti to Old Trafford

Manchester United should sign PSG midfielder Marco Verratti, says Dimitar Berbatov.

Verratti, 26, pulled the strings for the French side during Tuesday’s Champions League win at Old Trafford.

And Betfair Ambassador Berbatov thinks United should make an approach.

“Marco Veratti was very impressive in the centre of the park for PSG,” Berbatov told Betfair. “What I like about him is that his first thought is always to go forwards, but if that's not on, he's happy just to keep the ball, controlling the tempo and almost putting the other team to sleep.

“The Italian is an unbelievable talent; he reminds me of Xavi and Iniesta in many ways. He'd be great at United next to Nemanja Matic in midfield, allowing the Serbian to do the dirty work while he controlled the game. Can't see PSG selling though!”

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Milan Skriniar - likely arrival

Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar is the most likely defensive arrival for Manchester United this summer.

That’s according to the Independent, who claim interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had input over potential arrivals.

The Red Devils were tracking Skriniar during Jose Mourinho’s reign and remain interested in the Slovakia international, 24.

Inter are demanding a world-record fee for a defender, which could see Ed Woodward dwarf the £75million Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.

Sampdoria's Joachim Andersen and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly are also on the shortlist.

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal?

Marc Overmars reckons Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez could make a shock move back to Arsenal.

Sanchez, the highest earner in the Premier League at around £400,000-a-week, has scored just one goal in 14 Premier League appearances this season.

“I have great respect for Alexis, because he did extremely well in Arsenal,” Overmars told Chilean radio station ADN Deportes.

“I do not know if it was a good decision to leave. After Alexis, Arsenal tried to sign another player like that, but he was not given, so he could go back to Arsenal.”

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan

Inter Milan are looking at alternatives to striker Mauro Icardi.

That’s according to Tuttomercato, who claim the Serie A side are looking at Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku to replace the Argentine.

Inter Milan announced on Wednesday that Icardi had been stripped of the captaincy with goalkeeper Samir Handanovic handed the honour.

The rift has led to speculation the 25-year-old could leave the San Siro this summer with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea expected to challenge for his signature.

And Tuttomercato suggest Lukaku, who is playing second-fiddle to Marcus Rashford, has been identified as a potential successor.

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Injury update

Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are set to be sidelined for Manchester United's crunch fixtures against Chelsea in the FA Cup on Monday and Liverpool in the Premier League next weekend.

Lingard was withdrawn shortly before the interval against PSG in midweek because of a hamstring injury, while Martial did not reappear for the second half due to a groin problem.

In the pair's absence, the Ligue 1 champions scored twice to secure a 2-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 encounter that handed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his first defeat as United's interim manager.

The Norwegian now expects Lingard and Martial to be sidelined until the start of March as he said: "I think they'll be out for two to three weeks."

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: REUTERS)

Kalidou Koulibaly concerns

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has ‘split opinion’ between Manchester United staff, reports claim.

The Ivorian international is widely regarded as one of the best defenders the world after impressing in Serie A.

But he’s not convinced everyone.

Miguel Delaney of the Independent claims United staff are divided on the 27-year-old.

It’s said that a lack of physicality and ‘purer footballing ability’ are the two main concerns.

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Eric Bailly sale?

Manchester United could opt to sell Eric Bailly if the club bag a mega-money centre-back this summer.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar and Joachim Andersen have all been identified as potential arrivals.

And should a deal come to fruition - the 24-year-old could be axed after three seasons at Old Trafford.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones recently signed new contracts with the club - leaving Bailly under threat, according to the Independent.

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Manchester United news LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

Joao Felix raid

Manchester United are plotting a £100million raid for Benfica midfielder Joao Felix this summer, according to The Sun.

Old Trafford scouts have watched the 19-year-old on several occasions this season and have been impressed by what they have seen.

Benfica are willing to sell Felix but will demand a mammoth £100m for their young star.

An Old Trafford source said: “The club went to see Felix in action and it was all positive. He is seen as a real talent. There looks like there is going to be moves for him.”

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