Keita Kops £70m offer
JOSE MOURINHO admits Manchester United need to spend more if they are to challenge for the title.
United have so far this summer signed Romelu Lukaku in a £75million deal that could rise to £90m, and defender Victor Lindelof for £30m.
The Reds boss also wants to add Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic and one from Tottenham’s Eric Dier and Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, before United’s opening game on August 13.
“We always want more,” said Mourinho. “We always feel there is room to improve, and I cannot say that I’m happy with our transfer window.
“It’s a difficult window and I don’t blame anyone – it’s just reality.
“The market is going in such a direction that many players are difficult to get, not to say impossible. Every club is powerful and they don’t want to sell or their demands are high.
“A long time ago, we thought about four players to strengthen our squad, but it’s really hard to do it.
“If we do the third and forget the fourth, I would be quite happy with that.”
United face Manchester City in Houston tomorrow, with Mourinho (left, with Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg in Los Angeles) claiming he has found the club where he can remain for the rest of his managerial career.
“I’m ready for this,” added the 54-year-old. “I’m ready for the next 15 years, I would say. Here? Yes, why not? It’s very difficult, because of everybody putting pressure on managers.
“But I come to my second year and hopefully I can stay and give the stability that the club wants.” FROM BACK PAGE said: “What do you know – £66m turned down today? Are we in Macau?”
The Kop boss was jokingly referring to the nearby territory famous for its gambling, but he has not given up on the Guinea star.
Keita, 22, has a £50m buyout clause, which will be active next summer.
Leipzig owner Dietrich Mateschitz said: “We got a £66m offer for Naby Keita. No way! He has a contract and he will accomplish it.”
But ex-Reds striker and Keita’s countryman Titi Camara tweeted: “Naby has his heart set on LFC move.”
Liverpool have agreed a £10m deal for Hull left-back Andy Robertson.