Under the new leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United is gearing up for the upcoming summer transfer window, with plans already underway for potential signings.
Following the recent acquisition of a 25% stake in United by Ineos Group and Ratcliffe, the club’s management of football operations shifted.
Despite no new signings in January, a different scenario is anticipated when the window reopens at the season’s end.
Reports link various players to join Erik ten Hag’s squad, particularly targeting a midfielder and a striker.
One potential addition is Joao Neves, a midfielder from Benfica, who has risen through the ranks of the Primeira Liga side’s academy to become a key player.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United is eyeing Neves as a potential summer transfer target, although Manchester City and other Premier League clubs are also interested.
Neves’s contract reportedly includes a release clause exceeding £100 million, which Benfica would only consider activating for a departure this summer.
However, Benfica issued a statement refuting any claims of negotiations with United or any other team, denying any preferential treatment regarding Neves.
Another player on United’s radar is Joshua Zirkzee, a striker currently playing for Bologna. United is reportedly gathering scouting reports on Zirkzee with the intention of making a move in the summer transfer window.
Zirkzee, who previously played for Bayern Munich, has attracted interest from other clubs like Arsenal, with reports suggesting a potential return to the Premier League.
It’s worth noting that Bayern Munich holds a buy-back option in Zirkzee’s contract, valued at €40 million, in case another club makes an offer.
