Manchester United transfer news and rumours: £31m Renato Sanches bid; Ahmed Musa 'excited' by switch

The very latest developments from Old Trafford on transfer deadline day

George Cooper
Monday 01 February 2016 03:17 EST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

One name dominated the Manchester United scene on the morning of transfer deadline day – Benfica’s Renato Sanches.

According to a report in Portugal newspaper O Jogo, United are in advanced negotiations for the attacking midfielder – who would certainly solve a few problems for United in that department – and have tabled a bid of around £31m for the 18-year-old.

Just how likely Sanches is to leave Benfica is unclear – he has only broken into the first team this season – with some reports suggesting he wants to stay with his club.

The Benfica coach, Rui Vitoria, is quoted by Record as saying: “If things happen, they happen. Everybody here knows how it is.”

United are yet to sign anyone during this transfer window, with Louis can Gaal eager to strengthen his squad as he fights to keep his job at Old Trafford.

The Daily Mirror reports that United are battling Leicester City and Southampton for Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa, the 23-year-old forward at CSKA Moscow.

Musa has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances this season and, like Sanches, it is his eye for goal that could convince Van Gaal to make a (very) late move for him. Musa can play as a winger, up front or as an attacking midfielder.


The player is reported to have told friends he is ‘excited’ at the prospect of a move, although CSKA are insistent he will be going nowhere this month. If he does move, Leicester City appear to be intent on his signing, having had a £15m bid rejected last week.

Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News reports the only area Van Gaal is likely to strengthen on deadline day is at right-back.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in