Manchester United are preparing to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Saturday (May 13) in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag’s men cannot afford to lose any more points with Liverpool targeting fourth place.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have made Declan Rice their top priority for the summer. On the other hand, the giants of the Premier League are interested in Lautaro Martínez. Along those lines, here’s a look at Manchester United’s key transfer stories on May 10, 2023:
Manchester United prioritize the signing of Declan Rice
manchester united are prioritizing a movement to Declan Rice this summer, according to The Sun.
The English midfielder ran the show last weekend when West Ham United faced the Red Devils. The 24-year-old won fans at Old Trafford with his performance and the club plans to move for him at the end of the season.
A source told The Sun that Manchester United believe they can build a winning team around Rice.
“Rice is quickly emerging as United’s number one summer target. He completely directed the game, and United’s coaching staff and scouts were talking about him after the game. There is a growing belief that Rice is interested in leaving at the end of the season, and United believe they simply need to make sure he heads north and not to Arsenal or Chelsea,” the source said.
They added:
“The club consider him a player around whom they could build a team. Declan is good friends with Marcus and Luke Shaw from England. Man Utd believe he can persuade Rice that his future is in Manchester. It would be a great sign of intent and a great way for the new owners to show that they are determined to try and match Manchester City for years to come.”
Rice enters the final year of his contract with the Hammers this summer, but it is unlikely that he will sign a new contract. West Ham are expected to let him go for a premium price amid interest from Arsenal, chelsea and the Red Devils.
Manchester United looks at Lautaro Martínez
Manchester United is monitoring Lautaro Martinez with interest, according to Football Insider.
The Red Devils are expected to invest heavily in a new No. 9 this summer following the struggles of the current crop. Ten Hag’s team have suffered due to the absence of a powerful shooter at the focal point of the attack this season.
The Dutch manager remains keen to take corrective measures at the end of the season and has identified Harry Kane as his preferred target. However, Tottenham Hotspur could be shrewd dealmakers, despite the Englishman’s contract expiring next summer, and a move could be difficult to materialise. United are keeping their options open and have zeroed in on Martinez.
The Argentinian striker has enjoyed a good run at Inter Milan. However, the Nerazzurri could part with the player this summer to deal with their crumbling finances. The Red Devils are plotting to make the most of the situation and bring Martinez to Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot praises Diogo Costa
Diogo Dalot has spoken highly of Diogo Costa. The Portuguese goalkeeper has drawn attention with his versatile performance under the sticks for Porto.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in the 23-year-old as they look for a potential replacement for David de Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper has been very hot and cold this season and was at fault in the loss to West Ham United at the weekend.
Speaking recently, Dalot hinted at Costa to become the best in the world and wished him success.
“I grew up with him; he is my friend; there is a great relationship between us, and I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be a world reference. I don’t know if he will be at Manchester United or at another big club in Europe.” Dalot said.
He continued:
“He shows at FC Porto that he is a differential goalkeeper and has helped the club a lot. If he continues there, I will be extremely happy. If he leaves, I expect him to have the greatest success in the world.”
Costa has all the attributes of a modern goalie that Ten Hag reportedly desires.
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