Manchester United Transfer News: Renato Sanches, Toni Kroos, Saul Niguez Rumours

Manchester United’s midfield could be set for some restructuring this summer, with a deal for Benfica’s Renato Sanches said to be edging closer and reports emerging about a fresh pursuit of Real Madrid playmaker Toni Kroos.

According to Portuguese publication O Jogo (h/t Sport Witness), Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has been in Manchester, as the two clubs look to finalise a deal for teenager Sanches.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror’s John Cross has reported the Red Devils will “renew” their interest in Kroos this summer.

Here’s how O Jogo have covered the story about Sanches, per Sport Witness:

The youngster’s performances in the heart of the Benfica midfield have got plenty excited in Portugal.

Sanches, despite his tender years, is something of a throwback. While he’s typically been given license to bomb forward in this side due to his relative inexperience, it’s clear the attributes are there for him to be a box-to-box midfield man. 

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The 18-year-old has a lot of energy, doesn’t shirk physical battles and can alter the pattern of play with a swashbuckling surge forward. And Sport Witness have noted that according O Jogo, he’s very close to becoming a Manchester United player.

Sport Witness’ Portuguese football expert Jan Hagen gave his assessment of the player recently:

Kroos would be a totally different kind of capture. The Germany international is a more static footballer, although he is majestic with the ball at his feet. Potentially, he could transform the way United play their football.

“Kroos started against Manchester City in the Champions League but has been linked with moves away from Real Madrid and he has said in the past he would like to play in English football,” added Cross. Here is what he can offer:

While United do have a lot of options in central midfield, if there is a chance to get Kroos, they should pursue it. When stationed next to a player with energy and defensive instincts, the former Bayern Munich man is so effective at dictating play, shuttling forward and firing off shots from distance.

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Sanches may not be the ideal midfielder partner for Kroos, although the two in tandem as part of a three-man midfield is a prospect to cherish for United. However, with a deal for the youngster close and so many other areas of the squad in need of replenishment, it’d be a big surprise to see the Los Blancos man come to Old Trafford, too.

Barcelona Said to Have Saul Niguez Option

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Barcelona reportedly have a “first option” clause to activate when it comes to Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in the past.

According to Alex Terrell of the Sun, the trigger amount is £47 million for the player, and the Blaugrana can activate it after the two clubs struck an agreement as part of David Villa’s transfer from Catalonia to the capital in 2013. The clause “allows them to cherry-pick a first refusal on any player in [manager Diego] Simeone’s squad," per Terrell.

Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail noted that the midfielder, who netted a stunning opening goal in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, was previously a target for both the Red Devils and Arsenal.

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Here’s a look at the goal in question, an effort that quickly made many sit up and take notice of this fine young midfielder, per BT Sport:

Saul has been growing throughout the entire campaign, though. Simeone has entrusted him with a selection of different roles on the field, and the player’s varied skill set has allowed him to deliver with distinction. He’s long been a vital member of this side and key in Atletico’s pursuit of both La Liga and Champions League glory.

It’d be a huge surprise if a clause like the one aforementioned was in place, especially given Barcelona already landed Arda Turan from Atletico last summer. Nevertheless, Saul is a key man in an elite side challenging for the biggest honours at the moment; he doesn’t need to leave for the Camp Nou or Old Trafford to realise his ambitions.