Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd mulling risky move for Liverpool tormentor who’ll free up unsettled star to join Prem rival
Man Utd are weighing up a move for a Liverpool target who tormented Jurgen Klopp in the past, and a move to Old Trafford could push a wantaway star to Fulham, per reports.
The Red Devils are finally making progress in the transfer market, with Mason Mount banked and a third bid for Andre Onana expected to succeed.
Once the Inter Milan goalkeeper arrives, all eyes will turn to the centre-forward pursuit. To that end, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund has been the subject of talks and Mason Greenwood moving the other way on loan could hasten proceedings.
However, with varying outlets including ESPN and the Independent reporting player sales are required to free up funds, a second midfield signing could soon be essential.
Indeed, Marcel Sabitzer’s loan has concluded and both ESPN and the Independent reported Scott McTominay and Fred are up for sale. Donny van de Beek is also exploring his exit options, though he’s a relative non-factor at Old Trafford these days anyway.
As such, Erik ten Hag could conceivably be left with just Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount for his engine room. For a club who’ll expect to compete on four fronts once again, three midfielders is clearly not enough.
Now, according to the Spanish press (as cited by the Manchester Evening News), United are showing interest in Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente.
The 28-year-old has repeatedly been linked with Liverpool in recent years and the Reds are once again named in the piece too.
Llorente is perhaps best known for knocking Liverpool out of the Champions League during the 2019-20 season in which they won the Premier League. The Spaniard notched an extra-time brace to leave Jurgen Klopp and Anfield in shock.
The Spanish report claims Atletico will greenlight a Llorente sale if €60m (approx. £51m) is bid. However, given Llorente’s performance levels are described as ‘clearly going downhill’ last season, a move would be something of a gamble.
Part of the reason for Llorente’s downturn in form is the fact he’s being asked by manager Diego Simeone to play different positions virtually week to week. At United, however, it’s likely he’d be tasked with solely playing in the double pivot.
Fred links to Fulham growing after agent change
In any case, if United were to move for Llorente, the writing would be on the wall for Fred who is courting strong interest from Fulham.
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Fred is fully aware playing regularly is the number one priority at this stage in his career.
A move to Craven Cottage would lend itself better to more regular starts. A £20m transfer fee has been touted across the media and Romano claimed Fred has recently changed agents. Changing agents is generally a sign a player is about to explore a move away.
Furthermore, Fulham boss Marco Silva is understood to be a “big fan” of the Brazilian.
“Fred has changed agents, and he’s really considering leaving the club,” Romano said (via Caught Offside).
“He wants to play more and he understands it’s going to be very difficult for him to do so at United, particularly with the recent signing of Mason Mount in midfield.
“Fulham and Saudi clubs have approached his new agents, but just they’re enquiring about conditions, no bid as of now.
“I think there are very good chances for Fred to leave, he’s prepared for something new and Man Utd see him leaving this summer.
“Fulham manager Marco Silva is big fan of Fred so it’s a concrete possibility to try, but Saudi clubs are exploring this one too.”