With the clock ticking on the summer transfer window, expect the activity at Manchester United to ramp up significantly.
Despite already having four players in the bag, Manuel Ugarte is expected to become the fifth senior arrival and it will undoubtedly coincide with some major departures.
Some have already been concluded, like Facundo Pellistri’s move to Panathinaikos, while Burnley are interested in Hannibal Mejbri.
Jadon Sancho’s transfer links to Juventus have heated up recently, while Scott McTominay’s transfer saga has run the whole summer.
Amidst all these reports have emerged that make it seem like one of these departures is definitely likely.
Scott McTominay’s transfer stance
Scott McTominay’s transfer has the potential to transform Manchester United’s finances to the tune of nearly £125 million.
He is the single-most important sale that could have a huge effect on their position with PSR but United have been dealt blows as clubs have refused to bow to their asking price.
First, it was Fulham, who rejected United’s stance and made matters worse by signing the clubs’ contingency in Sander Berge.
Then, Napoli continue to dither over the player while sealing transfers of players who play in a similar position, like Billy Gilmour.
However, Calciomercato report that McTominay is “dying to be trained” by Antonio Conte and there is hope in Naples they will be able to conclude the deal.
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Napoli have made the first bid for Napoli, in the region of €25 million which is about €5 million short of United’s asking price.
United remain stubborn on their asking price, understandably so, since Erik ten Hag has already said he values McTominay’s skill set.
Still, United have always tried to do right by their players, especially academy products to it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club softens their stance somewhat in case McTominay wants more regular first-team football under Conte.
Most importantly, if this is the first bid by Napoli, then there can be confidence that a compromise will be reached eventually.
McTominay at Napoli is ideal
If Antonio Conte was to create a model professional footballer in the laboratory for himself, the final product would look very close to what McTominay is.
The Italian has made a career out of transforming and getting the extra juice out of generally limited footballers through his tactics and man management, as long as the players devote themselves to him.
McTominay is the quintessential model professional in terms of his approach to the game, a trait that has seen him survive numerous managers at Old Trafford.
Last season, even though there were doubts over his holistic suitability to the team, he turned up with the goals to save United many points.
As a Scotland international, he will also be familiar with Gilmour, his prospective midfield partner at Napoli if the deal goes through.
Napoli have already lost the first game of their league campaign in convincing fashion so the alarm bells are ringing loudly.
McTominay could well be seen as the signing of Conte trying to put his stamp on the squad as he’s a player who can drive the standards at a club.
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