It’s time to run the rule over two more questionable transfer rumours as Manchester United’s name continues to be thrown around in connection with potential signings.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Italian outlet CalcioNapoli24 claim Manchester United reached out to Napoli last month to enquire about Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Di Lorenzo signed for Napoli last season from Empoli for just £8 million. The 26-year-old has made 35 appearances for Napoli this season.
Predominantly a right-back, Di Lorenzo has also filled in at centre-back six times this past season and four times at left-back.
Verdict: This one is unlikely. United certainly do not need a right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot and also Ethan Laird coming through, while Brandon Williams also played there against LASK.
Di Lorenzo’s versatility makes him more intriguing, but it’s doubtful he would want to sign and just be a back-up, which is all United could really offer him.
Jonathan Ikone
This one is certainly interesting. French website Le Foot claim United are monitoring Lille star Jonathan Ikone, who would cost £62 million (70m Euros).
Ikone is 21 and is a France international, who can play in a variety of positions.
While able to play on both wings, Ikone has featured mostly through the centre as an attacking midfielder this season.
He has four goals and six assists so far this season, which is fairly unspectacular, although his side sit a solid fourth in Ligue 1.
Verdict: Ikone is the type of talent United should be looking at.
He is young and has a high ceiling, and he would be an ideal back-up for Bruno Fernandes. He may also link up well with compatriots Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.
What doesn’t work is the price Lille are asking, in relation to the return. He’s talented, but hardly prolific, and as a back-up for Fernandes, United should be looking for a lower fee, not similar to the one paid for the Portuguese.
Unless Lille considerably drop their asking price to £25-35 million, it’s hard to see United being seriously interested.
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