After Zirkzee & De Ligt: Romano says there’s a ‘big possibility’ United could pursue Euros semi-finalist

After a weekend of quickly developing rumours regarding Manchester United’s transfer dealings, it seems as though the board have put the blinkers on in their pursuit of Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.

Acquiring both players would bolster two of the positions that most desperately needed reinforcing heading into the window, with Zirkzee viewed as a direct replacement for Anthony Martial and De Ligt the same for Raphael Varane.

INEOS, along with newly-appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth, will be well aware that the arrivals can’t stop there, though – should the deals get over the line in the coming days.

Not only is another centre-half necessary before the window closes, but a midfielder to aid Kobbie Mainoo’s development in his sophomore Premier League campaign would only benefit Erik ten Hag in 2024/2025.

Casemiro, 32, has been tipped to leave Old Trafford for several months. Fabrizio Romano revealed on Sunday evening that the Brazilian’s agents have been negotiating his potential exit with Saudi Pro League clubs since April, and he’d certainly leave a gaping hole in the squad if anything materialises.

It would then, in turn, open the door for United to target his successor while freeing up £350,000 per week in wages, and they may just reignite their pursuit of an old flame…

Reds’ links to France international resurface

Indeed, the Reds have continued to be linked with Adrien Rabiot since talks over a transfer fell through back in 2022, which – at the time – led to United targeting Casemiro instead.

Now that the Euros semi-finalist is unlikely to renew his contract with Juventus, reports have emerged suggesting he could finally seal a switch to the 20-time champions.

GiveMeSport pressed Romano on the topic today, with the transfer expert responding: “Let’s see if some other clubs will try to enter the race. Because, as of now, Rabiot is still not extending his contract at Juventus, so it could be a big opportunity.

“At the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced or in concrete stages yet, but in general, I think for many clubs, it could be a big possibility, because, as I mentioned at the moment, it looks unlikely for him to stay at Juventus and sign the deal.”