Transfer Gossip: Man Utd offered 15 players, including two USA stars and Napoli winger; Liverpool ready to ask Steven Gerrard for Villa midfielder swap
A reporter has named the 15 players Manchester United considered signing during one crazy week in August, Liverpool are planning a January swap deal with Aston Villa, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims a top Chelsea target is ready to leave AC Milan.
MAN UTD CONSIDERED 15 PLAYERS, WITH HIRVING LOZANO AMONG THEM
Manchester United were offered the opportunity to sign 15 big-name stars during one crazy week of the transfer window, it has been revealed.
The Erik ten Hag revolution is full-steam ahead at Old Trafford after the Red Devils recorded four straight Premier League wins. And while they suffered defeat last time out against Real Sociedad, the mood is generally much more upbeat at United.
However, there was one stage in the summer when a general feeling of pessimism was sweeping over the club. Having chased Frenkie de Jong all summer, United then switched their attention to Adrien Rabiot.
Ultimately a deal for the Juventus midfielder also fell flat, with United encountering a whole manner of problems with his mother and agent, Veronique.
It was around this time when United were also stepping up their chase for Antony, only to see Ajax to significantly raise their valuation.
And with Ten Hag also chasing a new right-back without success, it was gearing up for a major summer of frustration.
United ultimately ended up signing Antony for a near club-record fee. And their midfielder pursuit also successfully ended when a quick-fire deal for Casemiro was also agreed.
Now Fabrizio Romano has revealed that, during that time, agents and clubs offered United their pick of 15 players.
And while Romano claims there was “not any panic” from United, it could have been a different-looking side.
Hirving Lozano among those United thought of signing
“Between the 15th and 21st of August was a crazy week for Manchester United. It was a difficult moment for them – Antony was not available and they had some issues in many negotiations,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“So, they submitted offers for Adrien Rabiot and Marko Arnautovic – the two deals were absolutely on.
“But during the following week the Rabiot deal fell through due to salary demands, and the Arnautovic deal collapsed because the fans went absolutely crazy about that story.
“What happened next? Honestly, more than 15 players were offered to Man United that week. Memphis Depay on a free transfer was one, Leandro Paredes was discussed. Weston McKennie was offered as well.
“While the Antony deal was still in doubt, Yannick Carrasco and Hirving Lozano were offered and Christian Pulisic was discussed. At right-back, Sergino Dest and Thomas Meunier were also options.
“Still, there was no panic from United, they decided to wait and only go for top players. In the end, they got Casemiro and Antony – their patience paid off.
“They were calm in a difficult moment and for now it looks like it was the right approach.”
LIVERPOOL WANT DOUGLAS LUIZ IN JANUARY
Liverpool are keen to sign Douglas Luiz in January – and will reportedly offer a player as part of a swap.
The Brazilian star is in the final 10 months of his contract at Aston Villa. The subject of a £20m-plus deadline-day approach from Arsenal, Villa boss Steven Gerrard has explained his reasons for rejecting the offer.
Gerrard and Villa, though, know that time is ticking on Luiz’s stay. As such, they are vulnerable to January offers for their star midfielder.
And with the nine-times capped star having plenty of admirers, he looks like being a costly loss for Villa in 2023.
To that end, reports over the weekend claimed Luiz has already set his heart on a move to London.
However, Liverpool are reportedly looking to trump all suitors for the star with an approach of their own.
As per the Daily Express, they are ready to contact Villa with a swap deal proposal featuring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The 29-year-old is out of contract next summer and is unlikely to be offered a new deal.
Now Liverpool hope a swap proposal will be the perfect solution for all parties. And with their legendary star Gerrard in charge at Villa, it is hoped he would rather deal with them over all other suitors.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been complimentary of Gerrard in the past too, calling the legendary midfielder his “idol”.
CHELSEA’S RAFAEL LEAO HOPES BOOSTED
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Rafael Leao are on the rise with talks over a new Milan deal stalling.
The Blues were strongly considering an approach for the Portugal attacker over the summer. At the time, then-boss Thomas Tuchel was looking to add more firepower to their ranks.
They were ultimately priced out by the Italian champions’ valuation and a formal offer was never forthcoming.
However, he remains a player of interest to Chelsea and one who the club will recommend to new boss Graham Potter.
Now, the Daily Mail claims those hopes have taken a serious upturn amid failing talks over a new deal.
Demanding a deal worth £115,000 a week, that’s a salary beyond what Milan are willing to pay. The player also wants Milan to contribute towards the £14m he was ordered to pay by a Portuguese Super Court. That’s owing to a breach of contract at former club Sporting Lisbon four years ago.
As such, serious doubts are emerging over his future – and a sale to Chelsea looks an obvious way out.
He could earn that salary and more by moving to the Premier League, with Potter deciding his next move.
And it seems Milan already know who they want as his replacement with a recent Leeds United signing in their sights.