Man Utd set to make a ‘big’ surprise signing, putting Liverpool in a tough spot
Manchester United might make a surprise move for one of Liverpool’s top transfer targets as they look to sign two new forwards.
Michael Carrick is about to start his first full season as Manchester United’s head coach with an away game against newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday, August 22.
Before the match, United has been quite active in the transfer market, signing two midfielders — Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea — for a total of £85 million. They also brought in former Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer.
Still, many fans feel the club needs to make a few more signings before the transfer window closes. United are reportedly interested in Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni and Newcastle’s defender Lewis Hall.
Now, it seems that adding new forwards might be the club’s priority. Two exciting young attackers have been linked with moves to Old Trafford, including one who was also a top target for Liverpool.
According to TeamTalk, United have asked if Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye is interested in joining them. Reports say both Mbaye and PSG might be open to a summer move.
Mbaye, 18, has been strongly linked with Liverpool along with his teammate Bradley Barcola. However, recent reports say Liverpool have backed away because PSG’s financial demands are too high.
To sign both Barcola and Mbaye, Liverpool would need to spend about €200 million (£171 million), which seems too much for them.
This gives United a chance to swoop in and sign the talented PSG winger, who many see as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe right now.
If United do sign Mbaye, it would also be a setback for Liverpool, blocking them from signing him later or driving PSG’s asking price even higher.
Mbaye isn’t the only young talent linked with United this summer. The club is also thinking about signing Nicolo Tresoldi, a German under-21 star currently playing for Belgian side Club Brugge.
Tresoldi is valued around €45-50 million (£32.5-42.7 million). If he joins United, he probably wouldn’t be a starter right away but would compete for a spot alongside rising star Sesko, who scored 12 goals in his debut season.
Last season, Tresoldi scored 23 goals and made nine assists in 58 appearances, attracting interest from several clubs this summer.
Besides United, Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest, while Barcelona seems to be the most advanced in trying to sign the German forward.