Freebies Jose could snap up in summer window
IN just three weeks, the Premier League transfer window opens.
Work has been ongoing behind the scenes at United for some time now after Jose Mourinho handed his summer wishlist over to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
This will be Mourinho’s most important window to date. As well as having to contend with the headache of the World Cup, the Portuguese has a shorter transfer window to navigate with Premier League clubs having to sign players by August 9.
Mourinho will be desperate to have all his business wrapped up by the start of pre-season on July 15. There may not necessarily be a whole lot of stardust on his shortlist, but he will be keen to sign the functional players he needs.
Inevitably, champions City will outspend United again so could there be a bargain or two available in the free transfer market?
Victor Valdes, Sergio Romero and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (twice) are just some of the players United have signed for nothing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
And there are a few decent options across Europe who are entering the final months of their contracts...
ARJEN ROBBEN (BAYERN MUNICH) THE one that got away. As well as having dinner with Fergie, Arjen Robben was given a tour of Old Trafford and Carrington in 2004. Had United made an offer there and then, Robben would have signed. Instead, he went to Chelsea.
While the Netherlands international showed glimpses of his remarkable talent, he suffered 17 injuries in three seasons at Stamford Bridge before being sold to Real Madrid.
MAX MEYER (SCHALKE) UNITED’S priority this summer is a replacement for skipper Michael Carrick, and they may yet need two central midfielders if Marouane Fellaini leaves.
The bulk of the summer transfer budget will surely go there, but there is value at Schalke.
Like one Andrea Pirlo, Meyer has reinvented himself as a holding midfielder and, at 22, is surely one for the future and is available for free.
KWADWO ASAMOAH (JUVENTUS) UNITED have been heavily linked with a big-money move for Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, but his team-mate Asamoah is entering the final months of his contract in Turin.
The 29-year-old made his name as a midfielder at Udinese, but both Antonio Conte and successor Massimiliano Allegri have mainly used him at left-wing back.
Asamoah has had his injury troubles, but could yet offer United a useful option as a utility man or someone who could give Ashley Young some competition.
STEFAN DE VRIJ (LAZIO) UNITED have five centre-backs on their books - six if you include Daley Blind - but they have signed a centre-half in three of the last four summer.
In that time, Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij is a name who has constantly been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Lazio sporting director Igil Tare claimed there was a ‘very good possibility’ the Netherlands international will join Inter, but United could yet steal a march.