Manchester United Transfer News: Fresh Rumours, Stars Linked with Red Devils

Everton are reportedly fearful of losing star striker Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United this summer, even if the Red Devils do not secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season.

While away on international duty recently, the young forward made his intentions to play in the top tier of European football clear to Sky Sports News HQ (h/t Allan Valente of Sky Sports). But according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, even if United don’t qualify for the competition next term, Lukaku could still be lured to Old Trafford.

“Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has insisted publicly the 22-year-old is not for sale but privately the club are worried they are fighting a losing battle,” said Cross. “And Everton believe United are in pole position—with Jose Mourinho a key factor as he is favourite to take over at Old Trafford and he will provide the star attraction and pulling power.”

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According to Cross, United will face competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich for the Belgium international, who has taken the Premier League by storm with his brilliant forward play this term.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, the Belgium international striker has been a force of nature up front for the Toffees this season:

Sadly for those who frequent Goodison Park, his superb form at the point of the attack has not been supplemented by solid defensive work. Roberto Martinez’s team are free-scoring—only three Premier League teams have scored more than the 51 goals Everton have netted this season—but they let in so many needless goals, an issue that sees a squad bristling with talent languishing in 12th position in the table.

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Lukaku seems unlikely to achieve his ambition of Champions League football at Everton for the time being. Still, Ell Bretland of the Daily Mail thinks he could have been classier with his comments:

That’ll be no problem for United fans, though, who would love to have another exciting young player in the attacking third to complement the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. It would cost a lot to prise Lukaku away from Everton, but given his tender years and what is already a remarkable goalscoring pedigree, he’d be a superb purchase.

Lassana Diarra Linked

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According to Le 10 Sport (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express), should Manchester United appoint Jose Mourinho as manager, he’ll battle to sign Lassana Diarra in the summer.

The former Real Madrid man has revitalised his career this term with Marseille, and it’s suggested Mourinho could look to the France international to add some steel to United's midfield if he becomes manager. Diarra, now 31 years old, is a well-travelled player, having played for Portsmouth, Anzhi Makhachkala and Real Madrid; he also had stints with both Arsenal and Chelsea.

There are certainly some illustrious names on his CV, which is indicative of Diarra’s talent. Here is a look why United may be courting the midfielder this summer:

Mourinho has been strongly linked with the managerial post at Old Trafford since Chelsea sacked him earlier this campaign, per Archer, with manager Louis van Gaal having struggled to strike the right balance.

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Diarra is a player the Portuguese will know well too, having worked together with Chelsea and Los Blancos. As Rory Smith of the Times noted, Diarra has a lot talent but has never really settled at a football club:

Marseille seem to be the ideal club for the Frenchman. At the Stade Velodrome, he’s a key figure in the side. And as is evident by his recent call-ups to the France national team, he’s beginning to find some consistency in his play.

United could do with a player like him, who brings so many different qualities to the core of the XI, but Diarra’s not a signing the club should pursue, even if they do bring in Mourinho. This is a team that needs to be rebuilt with the future in mind. Any players who are drafted in this summer, regardless of the manager, should adhere to that blueprint.