With the centre-forward problem sorted – sort of – Manchester United can focus on finding a right-back. An ex-Tottenham defender is on their list…
UNITED, CHELSEA TRACK EX-SPURS DEFENDER
With Wout Weghorst seemingly on his way to Manchester United in a deal that might just work, the Red Devils can turn their focus to some of their other problem areas…
One of them is at right-back. Erik ten Hag has managed for much of the season with just Diogo Dalot before bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka after the World Cup. Wan-Bissaka has certainly enhanced his prospects which, let’s be honest, were non-existent prior to a couple of solid performances in the last few weeks.
Still, United are looking to strengthen the right side of their defence and one of their possible targets is Kyle Walker-Peters. Talksport says the 25-year-old is pushing for a move away from Southampton while stalling over a new contract.
United are said to be keen and, of course, Chelsea are sniffing. Tottenham are also keeping an eye on their former player too but with two and a half years still to run on his deal at St Mary’s, Saints probably aren’t feeling the urgency Walker-Peters might have hoped.
TOON ASK ABOUT UNITED MIDFIELDER
For the first time in seemingly forever, midfield is not a problem for United. That doesn’t mean they are about to start shedding midfielders, though…
Which may be a blow to Newcastle. According to Sky Sports‘ North East reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies have been in touch with the Red Devils to ask about taking Scott McTominay.
“I think there was an enquiry made for McTominay recently, perhaps even on loan,” said KD. “But I don’t think Man Utd want to do it.”
Given Man Utd were quoted £50million for Sean Longstaff not so long ago – admittedly by a very different regime, and his recent form suggests it wasn’t as bat sh*t as it was once seemed – presumably Scotty McT was valued at around £100million.
ATLETICO HOLD KEY TO AUBAMEYANG’S BARCA RETURN
Speaking of bat sh*t, strap in for this one…
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had a nightmare since joining Chelsea. He signed for Thomas Tuchel, who was swiftly sacked after his arrival. Graham Potter doesn’t fancy him much, leaving him ‘depressed’ and desperate to return to Barcelona.
Barca are apparently willing to welcome back Aubameyang, but only on a free transfer. Which, for Chelsea, would mean writing off the £10million they spent on the veteran striker barely four months ago. Being the economic basket case they are, Barca are also having to check with La Liga to see just how much they can afford to pay Aubameyang.
If Barca are to offer anything more than brass buttons and pocket fluff, they need to shift a player or two. Which is where Atletico Madrid come in.
They need a forward to replace Chelsea’s latest signing (at least at the time of time of writing) Joao Felix, for whom Chelsea have paid £9million just to borrow for the rest of the season. Sky Sports says they were interested in Aubameyang but presumably realised it was a terrible idea because he would not be allowed to play for them until next season having already turned out for two clubs this term. So they have moved to Memphis Depay. But Sport reckons Barca are faffing around, demanding a fee, even for a loan, for a player six months from the end of his contract and one they need rid of to relieve the wage bill.
Read more: Andersen to Zaha via Campbell, Odegaard and Tevez: Each Premier League club’s best loan signing