Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Renato Sanches, Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rumours

Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches is reportedly “really close” to completing a lucrative move to Manchester United. 

That’s according to Sky Sport’s Gianluca Di Marzio, who posted the following on social media, suggesting a €60 million (£46.5 million) deal is nearing completion:

Additionally, Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News reported the Red Devils are “pushing ahead with transfer business” and will seek to secure the services of the 18-year-old midfielder “before anyone else nicks him.”

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted European football royalty are in the hunt for Sanches too, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, with the Italian club said to be particularly keen. Here’s a look at why:

As is the case with any player still in the nascent stages of their career, there are some raw facets to Sanches’ game.

While often billed as a box-to-box presence at the nucleus of Benfica, his defensive work does need tuning. Additionally, Sanches’ decision-making can be erratic, meaning there’s often little tangible to show at the end of his trademark surges forward through the field.

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Sport Witness’ Tom Coast issued a warning for United fans, who have had mixed experiences snapping up talent from Portugal before:

There’s always an element of risk when it comes to signing a player who is so young from the continent. But United fans with a positive outlook will remember that for every Nani or Anderson, there is a Cristiano Ronaldo or Anthony Martial.

And with a clutch of grand clubs seemingly in the hunt for Sanches, it’s clear a lot of elite scouts see something to work with within him.

Indeed, the flaws mentioned are malleable and eventually fixable. What Sanches can already bring to a side at such a tender age is energy, tenacity and an outlet for converting defence into attack swiftly.

He’s an exciting prospect and given how the Red Devils have nurtured young footballers as of late, he looks to be heading to a football club that’ll help him reach his potential.

Huge Zlatan Ibrahimovic Demands Reported

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While Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be available on a free transfer this summer, any side seeking to sign him will reportedly have to part with a staggering £77 million annual salary.

That’s according to Le10 Sport (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star) who reported that the Manchester United target is being eyed up by Chinese Super League clubs.

Ibrahimovic is noted to have already rejected a contract worth £54 million from a club in China and will hold out for the aforementioned amount if he’s to move to Asia.

Harvey stated that United are interested in the veteran forward, who looks poised to leave Paris this summer. This clip shows why he remains one of the best strikers in world football:

Of course, it’s rare for teams to get the chance to approach a player of such class with a contract without having to go through the rigmarole of agreeing a transfer fee with another club. So the opportunity to get Ibrahimovic on board could appeal to United, even if the 34-year-old is coming to the end of his storied career.

As this graphic from Bleacher Report UK illustrates, the Sweden international has enjoyed remarkable domestic success:

A haul of 32 league goals also points to a player that still has what it takes to affect matches at the highest level.

Ligue 1 may be much maligned in terms of its standard, but the quality Ibrahimovic shows week-to-week is convertible to English football.

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United are one of a small sample of clubs who could potentially afford to pay Ibrahimovic the kind of money he craves, although it’d be a gamble.

The likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial would inevitably benefit from rubbing shoulders with such a gifted footballer, although he’d also potentially prevent them getting regular minutes in the side.