Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Kostas Manolas, Renato Sanches Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly ready to compete with a clutch of Premier League teams to land Roma defender Kostas Manolas.

Simon Jones of the MailOnline has noted the Red Devils will join the race for the Greek international defender, whose representatives are said to "have had contact with Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton" already.

According to Jones, United are in the market for an authoritative option at the core of their defence. These are the types of attributes the centre-back would bring to the back line at Old Trafford:

Manolas has grown as a player since moving to the Stadio Olimpico. Still only 24 years old, in a division that demands astute reading of the game and widespread tactical understanding, he’s thrived. The Greek can sniff out danger superbly, and when it comes to physical battles, he very rarely gets beaten.

Here’s how Manolas fares statistically compared to United’s starting centre-backs this season, Daley Blind and Chris Smalling:

	Manolas	Blind	Smalling
Apps (Sub)	29 (1)	30	29
Goals	1	1	0
Tackles per game	1.7	2.8	1.8
Interceptions per game	2	2.3	2.9
Clearances per game	4.5	3.4	5.5
Blocks per game	0.8	0.7	0.6
Passing accuracy	86.5 %	83.1 %	81.4 %

Manager Louis van Gaal has seen Blind and Smalling excel as a partnership this term, with their attributes complementing each other brilliantly. However, at times United have been prone to capitulations—like when they conceded three goals in six minutes against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday—and could do with a forceful figure to clear danger.

Manolas is definitely capable of fulfilling such a duty and is a player who looks capable of competing for a place in an elite Premier League team. Roma will not want to let him move on the cheap, but any side willing to splash out will secure a player who is tailormade for English football and still making strides in his career.

Arsenal Scouting Renato Sanches

FRANCISCO LEONG/Getty Images

According to Jones, Arsenal have had their eye caught by Benfica’s teenage sensation Renato Sanches, who is reported to be a long-term target for Manchester United.

"His maturing performances are prompting wider interest as rival clubs check whether a deal is agreed with United," Jones stated, adding that the Red Devils have been in talks with the player’s representatives. It’s also stated Sanches remains "hopeful" of moving to Old Trafford, provided the two clubs can agree a fee.

As noted in the piece, the midfielder has a release clause of circa £60 million in his contract at the Estadio da Luz. Here’s why:

It’s understandable that Arsenal are checking in on a player who has plenty talking in European football. Manager Arsene Wenger, after all, could definitely do with a player who operates in such a box-to-box style; it's a figure the Emirates Stadium crowd have been craving for a long time.

Still, it would be a big ask for a footballer so young to come in and make an immediate impact. While there’s clear talent there when it comes to Sanches, Bleacher Report’s Gianni Verschueren remains unconvinced by the 18-year-old, too:

United, naturally, could also do with someone like Sanches, especially as they seek to build a squad that has a backbone of youngsters. But the longer the club continues without finalising an agreement for the Benfica man, the more chance there will be of other sides, like Arsenal, potentially stealing a march.

Still, the Portugal international will be attracted by United’s track record when it comes to young players and the ethos of the club when it comes to giving rising stars opportunities. Alongside players such as Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, he could be part of a very exciting youthful core at Old Trafford for years to come.