Man Utd transfer news: JJ Gabriel 'advantage' revealed after budget statement released
After a busy summer window, Manchester United are expected to continue with their transfer market dealings in January.
United focused their efforts this summer on overhauling the midfield, adding Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but remain patchy in defence.
That may well be a problem to be solved next summer, though, with more immediate headlines dominated by the future of JJ Gabriel and whether he will be replaced, if he departs.
With that in mind, here are today’s top Manchester United transfer rumours...
Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona are exceedingly confident of signing JJ Gabriel, United’s wantaway wonderkid.
The 15-year-old and his representatives have been to Spain to hold talks over a move after requesting United de-register him, which they have not yet done.
Spanish outlet Sport has reported that if Hansi Flick signs off on the deal, it could be formalised in a matter of days. The player and his entourage are said to have been wooed by the club’s reputation for progressing young talent into the first team.
Man Utd eye Norway starlet
As they brace for Gabriel to depart, United are beginning to consider their options to replace him with another high-profile, high-potential player.
Per reports from The Sun, they have sent scouts to Norway to watch Valerenga’s Gabriel Rajkovic.
They will face plenty of competition for the 15-year-old, though, with Barcelona once again in the running to spoil their plans.
The player cannot move to England until he turns 16 in February.
Executives make transfer statement
United’s financial accounts for the past year were released on Wednesday and included a telling statement from CEO Omar Berrada.
He wrote that he was pleased with United’s record revenues, which he insists shows the “strength” of the club’s financial standing.
But he made clear United’s financials must remain sustainable, particularly relating to transfers.
Berrada wrote: “These results confirm that we are on the right trajectory, we will continue to take a disciplined approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.
“With that financial sustainability in mind, we have strengthened both our men’s and women’s teams during the summer window, and our men’s team has seen the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford.”
It remains to be seen whether the club’s business will be directly affected, and whether transfer budgets may be slashed for coming windows after a not inconsiderable summer outlay.