The Daily Star have a slightly different take in claiming United have already had an 85 million pound opening gambit rejected and that United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has remained in England to try and seal the deal rather than travelling to China for the club’s China pre-season friendly tournament with city rivals Manchester City and German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund.
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He is now among the world’s most valuable players, and the Guardian says United offered a transfer package worth £100million, which was turned down.
Manchester United are the latest club to express interest in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, with club sources telling ESPN FC that the 29-year-old’s name was brought up in negotiations over Paul Pogba.
Daily Mail reports that the France global has agreed a five-year-contract with Manchester United worth £220,000 a week after tax.
The Serie A club want United to pay £100 million with a further £8 million in add-ons, which would make the Frenchman the most expensive player ever – exceeding the £85.3 million fee that Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale three years ago.
Agent Raiola will reportedly be in Manchester on Wednesday to meet with Woodward and chief coach Jose Mourinho to negotiate the terms of the contract, which is expected to run for five years if signed. But he was told that the opening bid fell short of what the Italian club wanted.
Andre Gomes has been a Juventus target for some considerable time, but the €30m asking price proved a sticking point.
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Woodward left United’s tour in 2013 in an attempt to seal a deal for Cesc Fabregas, but the Spaniard opted instead to join Chelsea, who were then managed by Mourinho.
