Solskjer storms carrighton to thrash out transfers
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a busy few days between now and the transfer deadline.
The Norwegian has until 5pm on Thursday to conclude his business and finalise the squad he will be going into next season with.
And he looked focussed as he arrived at the club’s training ground in his silver Volvo on Tuesday morning as he prepares to sit down and thrash out the deals that could shape their campaign.
After confirming the signing of top centre-back target Harry Maguire on Monday, Solskjaer has every reason to be feeling positive but he is still expected to make at least one new signing while others could be heading for the exit door.
Bringing in a new attacking midfielder appears to be a priority after they pulled the plug on a move for Juventus star Paulo Dybala due to concerns over his desire to move and the huge sums of money involved.
Reports say Solskjaer has now turned his attention to Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen.
To get a deal done, United will have to act extremely quickly as other clubs are sniffing around and might hold an advantage as the windows in Europe will stay open for almost three weeks after the one in England has shut.
A transfer might also hinge on whether Tottenham can do a deal for one-time United target Bruno Fernandes or Real Betis’s Giovani Lo Celso.
Eriksen is said to be keen on the move having previously told Spurs he would like to seek a new challenge.
They could also be willing to listen to offers as the 27-year-old Denmark international is about to enter the final year of his contract.
Elsewhere for United, Solskjaer is also understood to be keen to bring in some more competition for his forward line.
While Romeu Lukaku was set to move to Juventus as part of the failed Dybala deal, he still wants to leave and United might go back to Juve on search of a replacement for him.
Mario Mandzukic has been strongly linked with a move as the 33-year-old veteran looks for one last big move.
Despite his age, Mandzukic is a forward with a world-class pedigree and his ability to play across a front three could appeal to United.
In terms of further potential exits, Solskjaer will be probably be fielding calls over the availability of want away star Paul Pogbawith Real Madrid still keen to take him.
The La Liga giants offered United £27.4m plus James Rodriguez on Monday but it is claimed the club rejected a bid they consider to be derisory.
As things stand, they are holding out for closer to £150m, a fee Real will struggle to raise given their outlay of more than £170m already this summer.
Juventus has been touted as another possible destination for Pogba but a return to Italy looks unlikely due to the asking price.
What we do know is that Pogba wants to leave. He refused to travel to Cardiff to face AC Milan in a pre-season friendly over the weekend but he might have to swallow his pride and return to the team if United stand firm in their demands.
Marcos Rojo is another who could be on his way out of Old Trafford.
Following the capture of Maguire, United now have a massive surplus of centre-backs and the Argentina international is among a growing contingent who have been pushed to the fringes.
Everton are reportedly interested in taking him along with AC Milan.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are also facing uncertain futures and could be available if anybody wants to take them.
Meanwhile, Axel Tuanzebe is a loan target Newcastle although Solskjaer would like to keep him.
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