The Peoples Person

Manchester United remain intent on selling Marcus Rashford this summer as a host of new clubs emerge as contenders for the 28-year-old forward, according to a report.

Roma and Napoli contacted

AS Roma Live reveals both Roma and Napoli have been “sounded out” by intermediaries to gauge their interest in Rashford.

The Italian giants are understood to “like his profile”, with both clubs on the hunt for reinforcements in their frontlines as they prepare for the Champions League next season, having finished three points adrift of each other in Serie A.

However, Rashford’s wage packet at Old Trafford – worth in excess of £300,000 a week – is far beyond their reach. “[He] isn’t a priority for the Italian clubs, given his current salary of around €8.4 million, including bonuses,” the report states.

Interestingly, Roma and Napoli have each been linked with Joshua Zirkzee as well, who looks set to return to Italy after failing to adapt to the cut and thrust of Premier League football.

The 25-year-old Dutchman is said to want to remain at Old Trafford and prove himself, but INEOS want to sell him in order to fund the signing of a more reliable striker in his place.

Spurs leading the race

Rashford is still focused on remaining an FC Barcelona player next season, after the Blaugrana opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option in his loan deal, despite the England international’s impressive record for his adopted side.

Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3218893-1,762' UEFA Champions League11554--579' Copa del Rey4311--249' Supercopa20----32' Total492614143-2,622'

Source: Transfermarkt.

German manager Hansi Flick is believed to want the England international to stay at the Camp Nou as well, though the recent capture of Anthony Gordon, and the ongoing negotiations for Karim Adeyemi, have virtually killed off any lingering hope of a return.

While Rashford’s wages are prohibitive for clubs in Serie A, the financial might of the Premier League offers more hope of a deal. A host of rivals, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, have expressed interest in the Wythenshawe native.

But AS Roma Live reveals it is Tottenham Hotspur who are leading the charge. Tottenham Hotspur have made the “most concrete contact” with Rashford’s camp, with Roberto De Zerbi understood to be pushing for his arrival in North London.

However, Rashford is prioritising clubs competing in the Champions League, hence why advances were made to both Roma and Napoli. Tottenham , having come perilously close to relegation last season, are not in Europe at all, which is a significant hurdle to any move.

Another suitor the report states has opened negotiations this week is Süper Lig side Fenerbahce, while their rivals Galatasaray have also entered the race. But Rashford is not believed to be open to a switch to Türkiye at this stage of his career, preferring to remain in a top European league.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United will care little where Rashford is plying his trade next season, as long as it is not in a Manchester City or Liverpool shirt or another loan. If Tottenham are willing to meet the £40 million valuation, INEOS will bite their rivals’ hand off. The key point, however, is that it will need to be a permanent solution, not another temporary one, for Wilcox and co. to get their gnashers out.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

Manchester United risk missing out on another target to Tottenham Hotspur as the North London club prepares a big-money bid for Eli Junior Kroupi, according to the latest report.

Spurs going all-out

Having come perilously close to relegation last season, only securing survival on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton, Tottenham are intent on transforming Roberto De Zerbi’s squad this summer.

The Italian manager wants to rebuild the spine of his side, believing the team’s frailties originate in the middle of the pitch. A £52 million deal for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has been struck, as have free transfers for Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson.

This was followed up by two record-breaking offers for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, with Spurs hijacking Manchester United’s move for the latter.

The West Ham midfielder, who attributes his namesake, Bruno Fernandes, as an idol, was believed to be leaning towards Old Trafford, only for the Lilywhites to storm into the race with an £85 million bid and a much better wage packet than the one being offered in M16.

United were unwilling to match these proposals, with a suspicion Spurs would simply raise their offer were they to do so anyways. This led the Red Devils to pivot towards Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, reaching a £50 million agreement for the 22-year-old Brazilian this week.

Tottenham are also looking to reinforce De Zerbi’s forward line, setting up a potential tussle with United over a different West Ham star, Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman is understood to be INEOS’ “No.1 target” on the left wing, with exploratory talks already underway with Hammers.

However, Tottenham are now threatening to sign another target on United’s radar in Kroupi, Bournemouth’s breakout star who made history as the best scoring teenager in Premier League history last season.

United risk missing out

Despite only turning 20 last month, Kroupi has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Europe after a superb maiden campaign for the Cherries. He was signed from Ligue 1 side Lorient last year for £10 million, a deal which has proven a masterstroke after 13 goals in the Premier League last season.

The France under-21 international’s reputation, and value, have exploded in this time, with virtually every top club in England, including Manchester United, and on the continent expressing interest in a summer swoop.

Despite a midfield rebuild being the priority, United are understood to be looking to sign a winger and a more reliable striker than Joshua Zirkzee. Kroupi, capable of playing right across the frontline, would be an option in both positions.

Scouts have been in regular attendance at the Vitality Stadium in recent months, at the request of sporting director Jason Wilcox. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed INEOS want a “young icon” to lead their project at Old Trafford, with belief Kroupi fits the bill perfectly.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are similarly smitten, however, while Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish heavyweights, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, are also in the race. But it is Tottenham who are ready to strike first, demonstrating a level of aggression in the market which has taken their rivals by surprise.

TEAMtalk reveals Spurs are “preparing to submit” a £75 million for Kroupi, who they believe is keen to play under De Zerbi, despite not being able to offer European football. Bournemouth are said to value their French jewel closer to £100m, though there is confidence in North London that £75m will “seriously test the Cherries’ resolve.”

There has been suggestions Kroupi had agreed personal terms with either Spurs or Barcelona, but his agent, Moussa Sissoko, moved quickly to dispel these rumours. “We are still discussing his future. We’ll see what happens in the coming days; at the moment there is no final decision,” the agent said.

Final Thoughts

If a £75 million offer is sufficient to at least Bournemouth to the negotiating table, Manchester United should submit one tomorrow. Their prime target on the wing, Summerville, is valued at £50m by West Ham, while an upgrade on Zirkzee will likely require a reasonable fee as well.

Kroupi is capable of thriving in either role, with the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards. While it is a significant outlay for such a young player, the Lorient native is the type of talent worth ripping up plans for, particularly if it stops one of your major rivals grabbing him first.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

Manchester United have wasted little time rueing being beaten to the punch for Mateus Fernandes by Tottenham Hotspur after accelerating a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea. But the Red Devils now fear a similar fate in their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville, according to a new report.

Wing Wizard

Having been priced out of moves for their first-choice options like Morgan Rogers and Yan Diomande, the Red Devils have made Summerville their “No.1 target” on the left wing this summer.

The “incredible” 24-year-old trickster, who is capable of playing on both flanks, enjoyed a positive campaign for West Ham last season, despite the Hammers being relegated on the final day. He returned seven goals and five assists in all competitions.

This form has continued for the Netherlands, where the Rotterdam native scored twice and set up two more in four games for his country at the World Cup. His goal in their opening game against Japan was an excellent strike, cutting in from the right on his weaker foot.

This versatility will be appealing to Manchester United’s hierarchy, as they look to create a fluid frontline, with the 6’5″ Benjamin Sesko as the focal point. Both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are capable of playing out wide or through the middle, making a natural winger like Summerville an ideal addition to mirror Amad on the right.

West Ham are understood to be asking for £50 million to let the former Leeds United star leave Elland Road this summer. He previously won the Championship Player of the Year while at Elland Road.

Spurs eye another hijack

Sky Sports reveals Manchester United, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have held “initial, exploratory talks with West Ham” over a deal for Summerville. With the Netherlands having been knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco last week, his future is now expected to be “clarified in the coming weeks”.

However, the report states United would “ideally want to sign him using funds from the sale of Marcus Rashford”. With FC Barcelona having opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option to sign the 28-year-old England international permanently, he is set to return to Old Trafford.

But Rashford is currently on duty for the Three Lions at the World Cup, who look primed to go deep into the competition with a quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday evening. Sky Sports claims this could delay Rashford’s arrival in M16 until “well into August,” potentially delaying a pursuit of Summerville.

The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration of the flying Dutchman, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain having all expressed interest in the relegated star. However, it is Tottenham who United fear most after the Lilywhites also entered the race.

Old Trafford chiefs are said to be “very aware they could lose out to Spurs on another priority signing if they do not move quickly”. At Roberto De Zerbi’s request, the North London club hijacked United’s deal for Fernandes, despite the 21-year-old Portuguese having greenlit a switch to Manchester.

Final Thoughts

The aggression Tottenham have demonstrated in the market this summer is understood to have taken their rivals, including the Red Devils, by surprise. But having almost suffered the same fate as West Ham, the willingness to spend big to avoid a repeat of last season is understandable.

Manchester United will just be hoping it is not a case of disappointing déjà vu for another one of their leading targets, having already faced major setbacks in pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Fernandes.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Manchester United have wasted little time rueing being beaten to the punch for Mateus Fernandes by Tottenham Hotspur after accelerating a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea. But the Red Devils now fear a similar fate in their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville, according to a new report.

Wing Wizard

Having been priced out of moves for their first-choice options like Morgan Rogers and Yan Diomande, the Red Devils have made Summerville their “No.1 target” on the left wing this summer.

The “incredible” 24-year-old trickster, who is capable of playing on both flanks, enjoyed a positive campaign for West Ham last season, despite the Hammers being relegated on the final day. He returned seven goals and five assists in all competitions.

This form has continued for the Netherlands, where the Rotterdam native scored twice and set up two more in four games for his country at the World Cup. His goal in their opening game against Japan was an excellent strike, cutting in from the right on his weaker foot.

This versatility will be appealing to Manchester United’s hierarchy, as they look to create a fluid frontline, with the 6’5″ Benjamin Sesko as the focal point. Both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are capable of playing out wide or through the middle, making a natural winger like Summerville an ideal addition to mirror Amad on the right.

West Ham are understood to be asking for £50 million to let the former Leeds United star leave Elland Road this summer. He previously won the Championship Player of the Year while at Elland Road.

Spurs eye another hijack

Sky Sports reveals Manchester United, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have held “initial, exploratory talks with West Ham” over a deal for Summerville. With the Netherlands having been knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco last week, his future is now expected to be “clarified in the coming weeks”.

However, the report states United would “ideally want to sign him using funds from the sale of Marcus Rashford”. With FC Barcelona having opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option to sign the 28-year-old England international permanently, he is set to return to Old Trafford.

But Rashford is currently on duty for the Three Lions at the World Cup, who look primed to go deep into the competition with a quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday evening. Sky Sports claims this could delay Rashford’s arrival in M16 until “well into August,” potentially delaying a pursuit of Summerville.

The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration of the flying Dutchman, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain having all expressed interest in the relegated star. However, it is Tottenham who United fear most after the Lilywhites also entered the race.

Old Trafford chiefs are said to be “very aware they could lose out to Spurs on another priority signing if they do not move quickly”. At Roberto De Zerbi’s request, the North London club hijacked United’s deal for Fernandes, despite the 21-year-old Portuguese having greenlit a switch to Manchester.

Final Thoughts

The aggression Tottenham have demonstrated in the market this summer is understood to have taken their rivals, including the Red Devils, by surprise. But having almost suffered the same fate as West Ham, the willingness to spend big to avoid a repeat of last season is understandable.

Manchester United will just be hoping it is not a case of disappointing déjà vu for another one of their leading targets, having already faced major setbacks in pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Fernandes.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Manchester United face losing another target to Tottenham Hotspur as the North London club plans a move to sign Rafael Leao, according to a new report.

San Siro Sayonara

Despite Leao’s contract at the San Siro containing a release clause worth €175 million, AC Milan are open to the 27-year-old forward leaving this summer for a fee in the region of €50-60m (£43-50m).

There were reports of issues with behaviour and professionalism last season, with the Portugal international, currently on duty at the World Cup, understood to have clashed with the former manager, Massimiliano Allegri. And while the Italian tactician has departed to join rivals Napoli, his replacement – Ruben Amorim – remains supportive of Milan’s decision to sell Leao.

Rafael Leao Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie A29935-1,861' Italy Cup21---107' Supercoppa Italiana------ Total311035-1,968'

TEAMtalk reveals Amorim, who was sacked by United in January, has “sanctioned the player’s departure as he begins reshaping the Rossoneri squad ahead of the new campaign.”

In many ways, Leao and Marcus Rashford are comparable players, with similar strengths and weaknesses, who operate best in the same position. On their day, either is capable of destroying the opposition defence, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailing Leao as “magical”.

However, in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, a left winger who likes to cut inside on his stronger foot is a poor fit, particularly if they do not work hard out of possession. As he proved with Rashford, the former Sporting CP manager has no time for passengers, regardless of their talents.

United have been strongly linked with a move for a new left-sided attacker this summer, as INEOS look, ironically, to replace Rashford. The England international failed to seal a permanent move to Barcelona after the Catalan club opted to sign Anthony Gordon over him.

Leao considers a move to the Premier League a “dream”, citing United specifically as a club he follows. However, the Red Devils are yet to match this interest, as are Arsenal and Manchester City, despite the player’s representatives having made contact with each club last month.

Spurs enter the race

This reluctance to advance a deal has allowed Tottenham Hotspur to storm into the race, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add a left winger to his forward line. Despite around £185 million already being spent on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes – beating out Manchester United in the process – the Lilywhites are showing no signs of slowing down.

“Spurs remain in the market for a left-sided attacker and, while talks have continued over Manchester City’s Savinho, TEAMtalk understands Leao has emerged as another high-profile option under serious consideration,” the report states.

“The Portuguese international’s profile, experience and ability to change games have made him an attractive candidate as De Zerbi looks to add proven quality to his frontline. TEAMtalk understands Tottenham’s hierarchy are showing a real commitment to De Zerbi and the project he is building.”

Alongside Arsenal and FC Barcelona, United are understood to be “continuing to monitor developments” in Milan, suggesting a pursuit may yet be launched. If Leao is available at an even cheaper price late in the window, or perhaps a loan with an option to buy, INEOS may see him as a market opportunity worth taking the risk for.

However, Spurs may strike first, removing another target from United’s wish list. Leao is said to be “attracted by the prospect of a move to the Premier League and would seriously consider joining Spurs should a deal become possible.”

Featured images Marco Luzzani via Getty Images

Manchester United fans were left disappointed to see their side lose out to Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Mateus Fernandes.

For weeks now, the message emanating from INEOS’ headquarters has been that the Red Devils remain in pole position despite West Ham’s exorbitant valuation, and they remain confident of landing their man.

Spurs’ entry did flip the script, but given the Portugal international’s admiration for Bruno Fernandes, there seemed little to worry about.

That was until the North London side decided to gazump the 20-time English league champions with a massive wage offer while also meeting the Hammers’ asking price.

Mateus Fernandes chooses Spurs

INEOS were in no mood to overpay and thus, ended up losing yet another midfield target, following previous disappointments with Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.

Spurs paying £85 million for a midfielder who has suffered back-to-back relegations while also offering him a massive wage rise ultimately forced the 21-year-old to change his stance.

Interestingly, TEAMtalk have now reported that it was never about the money for Mateus Fernandes, who was blown away by Roberto De Zerbi‘s vision for Spurs.

The former Southampton ace was also keen to remain in London, which makes a bit of sense.

His reasoning revealed

“Mateus Fernandes informed Manchester United he will be joining Tottenham Hotspur, with the midfielder making it clear that his decision was about far more than money, TEAMtalk understands.

“However, sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Fernandes ultimately chose Tottenham because of his belief in Roberto De Zerbi’s vision for the club.

“While Spurs’ financial package is understood to be superior to that offered by Man Utd, Fernandes’ camp have insisted the move was “not simply a case of joining the highest bidder. Instead, the midfielder was won over by De Zerbi’s plans, the direction of the project in north London and the opportunity to remain in the capital.”

Whatever damage control narrative Fernandes’ agent provides, it is clear that finances dictated the ultimate decision. And United fans should not begrudge the West Ham ace for wanting to secure his future.

Mateus Fernandes PR will not change the reality

Should a player feel that Spurs are the ideal club for him, instead of Manchester United, it shows more about him rather than United’s failed attempt.

Fans must remember that the North London club had offered a slightly better package to Brentford last year in order to hijack Bryan Mbeumo‘s move to Manchester. The Cameroonian stood firm, and his dream move materialised. Clearly, Mateus Fernandes did not.

Not overpaying also sends a clear message to clubs, who have been used to the idea of fleecing United. Now is not the time to cry over spilled milk, with INEOS focusing on Alex Scott as an alternative.

Feature image Clive Rose via Getty Images

Manchester United refused to match Tottenham Hotspur’s bid for Mateus Fernandes despite tabling their own big-money bid for the 21-year-old midfielder, according to an inside source.

Spurs’ hijack worked

While a host of top clubs across Europe expressed interest in Fernandes this summer, including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, the Red Devils emerged as frontrunners for the West Ham starlet. Having exited the race for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest demanded a record-breaking fee, United then focused on Fernandes as their primary target to rebuild the midfield.

A £39 million deal was struck at the beginning of the month for Atalanta dynamo Ederson, but this is understood to have been a market opportunity to land a versatile operator with a wealth of experience.

However, the Hammers’ refusal to budge on their £85 million valuation, despite having been relegated, led to frustration in M16, even though the youngster considers Bruno Fernandes his idol. This then turned to dismay once Tottenham stormed into the race, demonstrating a willingness to outbid the Mancunian club.

Earlier this evening, Spurs struck an £85 million agreement with their East London rivals, tabling a proposal to the player and his club which United were unwilling to match.

INEOS put their money where their mouth is

This is not to say INEOS simply rolled over and let Tottenham have a free run at Fernandes, with Sully – an excellent source at Old Trafford – revealing United made their own offer totalling £85 million.

However, crucially, it was worth £70 million up front with an additional £15m in add-ons. A salary worth £170,000 a week was extended to Fernandes – a huge sum for a player who has suffered successive relegations.

Tweet: “#MUFC offered #WHU a package of £85M for Fernandes which was £70M guaranteed with around £15M in add-ons. They also offered a wage of close to £170K a week. This morning, United were offered the chance to match Spurs’ bid, which was £85M all up front, and they refused to do so.”

Final Thoughts

While there is considerable consternation amongst the fanbase, the decision to avoid spending a guaranteed £85 million on a Championship midfielder – even if his skillset is far beyond – is a difficult one to argue with.

In many ways, Manchester United’s co-owners are suffering from mistakes of the past, where the club developed a reputation for overpaying out of desperation as much as dominance. Tottenham Hotspur, having almost faced relegation themselves, qualify for the latter in their current state, which made them a difficult rival to compete with.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United have lost out in a red-hot race with Tottenham Hotspur to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.

Primary Target

The Red Devils had identified Fernandes, 21, as a primary target in their midfield rebuild this summer, after being priced out of a move for Elliot Anderson. While INEOS were keen for the 23-year-old England international to replace Casemiro at Old Trafford, Nottingham Forest’s exorbitant demands allowed Manchester City to pull ahead and strike a £116 million deal.

However, the analytics team at Old Trafford considered Fernandes a superb alternative, with the skillset to thrive across a variety of roles in midfield – a view mirrored by a former United coach.

Talks were held with the one-cap Portugal international’s camp, led by super agent Jorge Mendes. These discussions were understood to be positive, with the player communicating a desire to complete the switch to M16.

However, West Ham’s valuation of £85m was far in excess of United’s – believed to be around the £60m mark – leading to weeks of protracted negotiations. This, in turn, allowed Tottenham Hotspur to launch a hijack for the Sporting CP academy graduate, with the North London club expressing a willingness to meet the Hammers’ price tag.

Another One Bites The Dust

David Ornstein now reveals Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal with West Ham, despite the inter-city rivalry having largely prevented business between the two London teams before.

Tweet: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur win race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. Spurs submitted highest proposal (believed to be ~£85m guaranteed) & 21yo #WHUFC midfielder opted to join #THFC. Numbers beyond where #MUFC willing to go @TheAthleticFC.”

The Athletic reporter states Spurs have “won the race” after tabling a guaranteed fee of £85 million and an attractive salary package, which both the player and his club have accepted.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed the news with his trademark ‘Here we go!’ seal of approval. The deal constitutes a club record for the Lilywhites.

Manchester United are said to have considered Tottenham’s proposal “higher than they were willing to pay, and they will now shift their focus to other targets,” Ornstein concludes.

However, the pool of options available to the Red Devils after missing out on both Anderson and Fernandes is growing smaller by the day. Bournemouth maestro Alex Scott is understood to be an alternative that is being explored, though the Cherries have been adamant the 22-year-old is not for sale.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are two other names on the list, though neither offers the same complete profile as Anderson or Fernandes. United have also been outgunned for Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), who looks set to join Spurs as well – which leaves just one option with the skillset required to fix Carrick’s stalling engine room.

Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to battle for Mateus Fernandes’ signature, though a clear frontrunner is now emerging, according to a new report.

Theatre of Dreams

The Red Devils have zeroed in on Fernandes as a priority this summer after being priced out of a move for Nottingham Forest maestro Elliot Anderson, who was considered the primary target to replace Casemiro. The fact that Manchester City were forced to stump up a club-record £116 million fee for the 23-year-old England international gives credence to INEOS’ decision to withdraw from the race and focus on alternatives.

There was hope that West Ham’s relegation would force the East London club into accepting a cut-price deal for Fernandes. However, a cash injection from the new majority owner, Daniel Křetínský, has eased the financial pressures, and the growing number of suitors for the 21-year-old Portuguese starlet has further strengthened their negotiating position.

Former United coach, Neil Harris, who spent nearly 20 years at Old Trafford, believes Fernandes may have an even higher ceiling than Anderson, comparing the youngster to the best midfielder in Europe.

“I think he’s got levels that maybe Anderson…[hasn’t] got to go. When I look at him, I see Vitinha. I see him being a conductor in games with his tempo and things like that,” Harris states.

Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7

Source: Sofascore

While Manchester United have been leading the race for the past month, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City have all expressed interest as well. Further afield, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have both made advances to the Olhão native’s representatives, led by super agent Jorge Mendes.

Fernandes is understood to consider Old Trafford a ‘dream move’, citing his namesake, Bruno, as a childhood idol after coming through Sporting CP’s academy, before a switch to Southampton in 2023. When the Saints faced relegation last year, West Ham struck a £42 million deal to bring him to the London Stadium.

As a result, the Hammers are demanding a fee in excess of £80 million to part ways with their prized asset. United value him closer to the £60 million mark, leading to protracted negotiations between both clubs and the player’s camp.

This has allowed Tottenham Hotspur to storm into the race, demonstrating a willingness to match West Ham’s demands in an effort to throw their full weight behind new manager, Roberto De Zerbi. A separate big-money pursuit of Sandro Tonali is also underway, with Newcastle United having rejected Spurs’ opening offer of £80 million.

United remain the frontrunners

Despite many reports suggesting Tottenham had pulled ahead of Manchester United, Football Transfers reveals well-placed sources indicate the Mancunian club remain “significantly further ahead in negotiations” with West Ham.

Spurs are said to be focusing on Tonali as their priority, which has afforded the Red Devils the “perfect opportunity to strike.” Formal talks are underway to try and agree a deal.

Throughout this long-winded process, there has been a belief in M16 based on two factors: firstly, Fernandes favours a move to United over his other suitors, particularly a club outside the Champions League; and secondly, the rampant interest in the youngster is being driven primarily by Mendes to extract the best deal for West Ham and his client.

With United said to retain a firm grasp on proceedings, this confidence looks increasingly well-placed. It has even been reported that one of the reasons Real Madrid exited the race was the belief that Fernandes was heading to Old Trafford.

Final Thoughts

Increasingly, this saga feels almost like a game of brinkmanship between the different parties over who will blink first. Manchester United are determined not to overpay for their targets, no matter how highly rated they are by the club’s recruitment team. Conversely, West Ham want maximum value for their most in-demand talent, while his agent wants to line both his and the player’s pockets.

If Tottenham Hotspur are willing to pay the piper, United’s resolute stance will quickly fall apart. But with Spurs advancing a monster deal for Tonali, a player who operates similarly to Fernandes, the idea that they will spend the best part of £200 million on the pair makes little sense.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Manchester United remain intent on selling Marcus Rashford this summer despite FC Barcelona’s refusal to make his loan spell in Catalonia permanent.

Barcelona play hardball

Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan with the Blaugrana, returning 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions as he helped his adopted club defend their La Liga title.

German manager Hansi Flick was keen for the England international to remain at the Camp Nou, having been impressed by his attitude and commitment in a squad-based role. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha the undisputed starters on either flank, Rashford often shone as a versatile option from the bench or as a deputy if either was injured.

Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3218893-1,762' UEFA Champions League11554--579' Copa del Rey4311--249' Supercopa20----32' Total492614143-2,622'

Source: Transfermarkt.

However, Barcelona refused to trigger the £26 million buy option in the deal with United, leading to months of protracted negotiations between the two clubs. With no agreement in place as the June 15 deadline for the loan passed, the Wythenshawe native will return to Old Trafford once his World Cup campaign with England concludes next month.

In an ironic twist, a significant factor in Barcelona’s decision was their £70 million capture of Anthony Gordon – Rashford’s main rival on the left wing for the Three Lions – from Newcastle United. The fact that Rashford has enjoyed a far better tournament in North America than Gordon thus far may be giving the Spanish giants pause for thought over that decision.

The race heats up

A number of clubs have expressed interest in profiting from Barcelona’s loss, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. INEOS are understood to have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place over a £40 million release clause to any Premier League clubs except for Liverpool or Manchester City.

Further afield, Bayern Munich – who were pursuing Gordon before Barcelona hijacked their deal – are monitoring the situation, while Fotomac reveals rivals Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are both in the hunt. A number of Saudi Pro League sides are also credited as suitors.

The report states the two Turkish heavyweights are both “closely monitoring” the Englishman after adding him to their transfer lists – a decision which has “excited” fans in Istanbul.

However, Rashford is understood to have no desire to complete a switch to the Super Lig at this stage of his career, preferring a top European club like Bayern Munich if Barcelona fail to renew talks before the end of the window. He also does not want to join another Premier League team.

Unperturbed by this, Fotomac claims Tottenham are “preparing an offer” as they have placed the forward “high on their transfer list for the summer window.” The Lilywhites are unwilling to meet Manchester United’s £40 million demand, however, further complicating their pursuit, even if Roberto De Zerbi is pushing for the deal to happen.

The report concludes that Bayern’s interest could be a “decisive factor” in Rashford’s decision, with a strong desire to play in next season’s Champions League. It is unclear whether the Bundesliga giants would be willing to pay that type of sum for a player who turns 29 in October.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United will care little where Rashford is plying his trade next season as long as that club is prepared to take him off their hands permanently. Increasingly, however, it feels as if he is willing to wait for Barcelona to revisit a move, with the Catalans believed to be interested in another loan deal, which may include an obligation to buy clause.

The Red Devils steadfastly rejected attempts to engineer this proposal during previous talks. But the lack of alternative options, in combination with Rashford’s desire to return to Spain, means INEOS may be forced to compromise and accept Barcelona’s offer if this saga drags on into August.

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