BUY, BUY, BUY
MOURINHO READY TO SPLASH CASH ON THREE KEY AREAS THIS SUMMER
UNITED are planning to strengthen three areas in an attempt to mount a credible title challenge next season. Jose Mourinho is understood to covet a full-back, a central defender and at least one central midfielder as the club prepares to lose Michael Carrick and potentially Marouane Fellaini. Mourinho demanded greater backing in the transfer market prior to his contract renewal in January after United signed three of his four priority targets last summer. The Reds are under pressure to compete with the elite next season as they face a potentially trophyless campaign following their Champions league exit at the hands of Sevilla.
United are prepared to bid for Toby Alderweireld should Tottenham decide to sell him in the summer. The 29-year-old Belgian centre-half is stalling on a new contract and has been identified as the ideal complement for Eric Bailly. United are also understood to have contacted Arsenal rightback Hector Bellerin’s representatives as they consider a long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia.
Napoli’s Italy international Jorginho has been shortlisted as a possible replacement for Carrick and United are also keen on Shakhtar Donetsk enforcer Fred after City deferred on a winter window move for the Brazilian.
Carrick’s impending retirement and Fellaini’s refusal to sign a new contract could see two central midfielders come in, although Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Andreas Pereira are due to return from loans with Crystal Palace and Valencia.
United have scouted Juventus’s Alex Sandro, Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney to replace Luke Shaw at left-back. Mourinho suggested Shaw, whose one-year extension was triggered in January, would earn a new deal but the 22-year-old has started one Premier League match in the last month and was criticised following his 45-minute appearance against Brighton last weekend.
Sandro is Mourinho’s preferred option for a left-back signing.
United special: pages 45-47