Manchester United transfer news Q&A LIVE latest on Victor Osimhen and Chris Rigg among key targets

Live blog concluding

Thanks for reading, and thank you to Graeme. A summary of key points learned…

– United have six-man striker shortlist

– Jarrad Branthwaite unlikely as it stands

– Jadon Sancho sale more likely than not

– Chris Rigg is a key target for United

– Young striker Neyser Villarreal has caught United’s eye

South American striker catches United’s eye

Question: Are United continuing to monitor the South American market?

United have a very good scouting network on South America and good contacts – both essential. We have just seen young Diego Leon come in and United were strongly represented at the South American Under-20 Championship.

I brought the news on UIF that Argentine centre-half pairing Juan Gimenez and Tobias Ramirez caught their eye, And they do like them.

Am also told that United were one of the sides who were impressed with Colombian Neyser Villarreal – who finished as top-scorer.

And whilst we are on the subject of Colombians – a couple of things, I know they are one of the teams who have looked Independiente del Valle’s 15-year-old prospect Johan Martinez.

United were also one of the teams who really liked Ecuadorian Keny Arroyo before he joined Besiktas in January

Alejandro Garnacho situation still unclear

Question: What is the latest on Alejandro Garnacho?

On Garnacho – the term Amorim system is key. There is really only one place for him in this current United side – as one of the two CAMs – but is that his best position?

Does he want to play that role? I would suggest no is the answer to both questions.

United accept Garnacho’s situation – they know he is a hugely talented player and love him, but they also know that some players under the Amorim system simply would not work and he could be one of those.

United are in need of raising some funds and Garnacho’s potential sale represents a possible huge windfall – and it could come when they really need it.

Joshua Zirkzee latest

How are United now feeling about Joshua Zirkzee?

On Zirkzee – the club and Amorim love how he has really knuckled down and has shown his determination to his United career on track.

Amorim knows he got it wrong taking him off against Newcastle, but the player has reacted well.

Does he have a long-term future, let’s see – he has shown he can play as a CAM too, which helps but clearly it does not appear that he is going to be capable of leading the line in an Amorim system.

Rasmus Hojlund situation

Question: With United seeking to sign a striker, how finely balanced is Rasmus Hojlund’s future?

It really is. United know they could sell this summer – Napoli as we know like him, as do Juventus, his stock is quite high still in Italy.

But they are not alone with Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Champions League chasing Mainz all keen.

So, the interest is there – however, United know that they are not getting their plus £70m fee back, but that is true no matter of Hojlund’s form.

United like Rasmus Hojlund, I am told the club firmly believe he is a talent, but there are some within the club who feel they need to cut and run.

And the player himself is unsure. He loves United and wants to make it work, but in a World Cup year – does he want a possible season of struggle or does he want a fresh start.

As it stands, United are looking and considering what to do, but so is the player.

Manchester United goalkeeper latest

Question: What is the latest on Andre Onana and the goalkeeper position?

I know that Amorim and United do have concerns, they have eyes – they know it isn’t where is should be.

Current number two Altay Bayindir will be leaving – I am told that a move back to Turkey is more than likely. With that, a number two is likely needed.

I confirmed this week that James Trafford is one to keep an eye, United have asked about him – but would that be as a two or a one? it is not certain.

Could a new number one be needed? Possibly.

I am told Andre Onana is committed to United and battling for his place – but he is one of the keepers under consideration for the Saudi Pro League, along with Ederson and Alisson.

United are in touch with the Pro League – there are a number of topics they are talking about, primarily the Casemiro situation, but I believe the Saudi’s have enquired about Onana too.

Jonathan David not being pushed for by United

Question: Jonathan David will be a free agent and his name has been linked, is there anything in it?

United are doing work on all strikers, they know David, but they are one of the clubs who never pushed for him massively before.

David has had, what they call in American sporting parlance, a ‘contract year’.

However, he really isn’t getting the credit he deserves – he is one of the top strikers in Europe in my opinion and no disrespect to West Ham, he should not be getting linked with them, I am told they know they have no chance of getting him.

Barcelona are all over David, they want him to come in and challenge Lewandowski – on a free transfer he would be one of the best frees ever made.

United should, in my opinion, be pushing hard for him but as it stands they are not.

Chris Rigg a key target for United

Question: What is the latest on United’s interest in Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg?

Chris Rigg is their priority over Nypan. They ‘love’ this player, they truly believe he is generational, potentially in the same class as Jude Bellingham, not putting pressure on him. But I firmly believe he is that good.

A choice between Nypan and Rigg… Rigg every day of the week and an extra Bank Holiday – United failed when it came to Bellingham, they can’t do that with Rigg.

Sverre Nypan expected to move elsewhere

Question: United were keen on Norwegian teenager Sverre Nypan previously, is that still possible?

Nypan is a player that United have done so much work on, but they are not in pole position – Arsenal and Man City are both driving hard for him.

But for United and Nypan they are looking elsewhere…

Angel Gomes move less likely

Question: Available on a free transfer, is Angel Gomes to United a move which appeals?

Angel Gomes is a fascinating idea – let’s not forget he left United as CAM/winger – it was not until he got to Lille, where was converted to that holding play-maker by Paulo Fonseca.

I don’t see a place for him at United – I think if he comes back to England this summer, he heads back to London.

Antony latest

– Question: Antony is doing well at Betis, what’s the latest with him?

He is enjoying his football and showing his talent. I understand Betis want to keep him, but could that be another loan, possibly. Like Rashford he is on huge money, in terms of what they can afford.

United will hope other clubs come in and they can manage to get as much money back as they can and clear his wages. but it won’t be an easy deal for anyone.

Marcus Rashford latest

Question: Will Aston Villa activate a deal to sign Marcus Rashford?

He is enjoying his loan spell at Aston Villa, it has seen him recalled by England. However, a word of warning – he he has started as many games this year for England as he has league games for Villa.

Villa have the option to make the deal permanent at £40million – but it is not the easy.

Rashford has to agree to it primarily but even if he does, to make the move happen United will have to make substantial payments on his wages – if they don’t he won’t go.

Jadon Sancho latest

– Question: What is the latest on Chelsea coming good on the deal for Jadon Sancho?

People need to realise that loan deals are hugely risky. United have more recently seen it work with Sancho and Greenwood, but if they don’t perform you could be left in a worse place then when you started.

With regard Sancho – he has done OK – I can confirm there is a what is being described to me a ‘mechanism’ that could yet see Sancho return to Old Trafford.

Not the news United or the fans really want to hear. With Estevao coming in, and others being linked I believe as it stands Chelsea plan on doing the deal, but it is not 100% yet.

It is certainly more likely than not, but not set in stone as said.

Jarrad Branthwaite talk played down

– Question: With regard to centre-backs – are Branthwaite, or Sporting pair Inacio and Diomande players of interest, are there any other specific names to keep an eye on?

We know they like Branthwaite – they bid for him last summer, and they are keeping a close check on his situation – as they would and do with any target.

However, talk of United coming in already with a new £50m offer, I can tell you that Everton’s asking price, if they have one, has not dropped at all – all day long he is £70m plus, since his return from injury this season has been outstanding, despite what Thomas Tuchel might have you believe.

But, in terms of Branthwaite – I believe, and so do Everton, that he is more than likely to sign a new deal with The Toffees.

In terms of the Sporting pair – let’s be clear Ruben Amorim is not pushing any of his former players, but we know that if they ask him for references they are going to be glowing.

Diomande has a lot of interest and is very highly thought of, but is right-sided – I do think that is a consideration, like Branthwaite who is left, Inacio is that. United do like them both and are keeping abreast of the situation.

But as said, whilst they want to invest in three, four, five areas – there are budget constraints that must and will be considered.

United open to additions all over the pitch

– Question: Beyond striker and centre-back, are there other specific areas of the team United are targeting?

Simply put all areas are under consideration – striker, right winger-back, CAM and defence as we have spoken. T

The goalkeeping department will also be looked at, whether that is for a new number one – well we can discuss that.

Centre-back is an area to watch for United

– Question: With Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans expected to leave on free transfers, how are United approaching the position?

So yes, as long as United stick to their three at the back, which is the plan – you need six – at the moment, they have De Ligt, who they are really happy with by the way, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven and Mazraoui who can feature, and that also doesn’t include Lisandro Martinez – who they hope will be back around August.

Martinez’s injury means he won’t be leaving, he was a summer target for some – but he looks like staying for another season.

United are looking at the central defensive market, I believe they are considering one more, but it will depend on budget for that – they are looking for the right ones – that is key for their transfer strategy now. Wilcox and Vivell in place, they don’t have too many excuses.

Victor Osimhen a ‘marquee’ option

– Victor Osimhen is the most exciting although probably most expensive of the names mentioned, how serious is the interest?

United like him, they have watched him recently – and just to put the record straight, it obviously wasn’t to check on him as a player, it was to gauge his mentality, how was taken to playing in Turkey against some tough opposition and he has been brilliant, let’s not get away from it – he has been outstanding for Galatasaray.

I am told a move to Old Trafford appeals to Osimhen, maybe more so than some of the strikers they have and are looking at.

Osimhen is only 26 – age not an issue, he could be that sort of figurehead that United have not had since a Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy or van Persie, but if he comes in he is going to be on big money and that is clearly a risk in some regard.

Personally, I think United should look for Osimhen – I think he is marquee frontline striker, ready to come and be their dominant number 9. That is regardless of whether they can move Hojlund or not.

Manchester United’s striker plans

– Question: What is the current Manchester United outlook on a striker signing this coming summer?

The basics are that United want one new striker this summer – my understanding is that Ruben Amorim has made that clear to Jason Wilcox and the footballing department, and they agree.

Even if Zirkzee and Hojlund stay, which we will no doubt get onto, they need someone else.

They are doing their work on their best options – the scouting department, analysts along with Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are working hard, they know after Hojlund and to a lesser extent Zirkzee, they can’t get this next one wrong.

Gyokeres, Osimhen, Vlahovic, Delap, Sesko, Burkardt – all of the best striking talent, suitable for that lone role, are being looked at and worked on. I can confirm that. United are working hard on that.