Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours, Stars Linked to Red Devils

Borussia Dortmund’s prolific forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly rejected a move to Manchester United, as he holds out for a transfer to Real Madrid.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils have held three sets of separate talks with the Gabon international, who has scorched his way around the Bundesliga this term, about a possible £60 million transfer.

"They had promised to make him a global superstar and give him a £200,000-a-week contract after making him their No. 1 summer target," added Cross. "But Aubameyang appears to have his sights set on Spain which is a huge blow for United and their transfer plans this summer."

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Formerly a fiercely quick but very frustrating footballer, Aubameyang refined his game under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and, under current manager Thomas Tuchel, has gone on to become one of the finest centre-forwards in the game. This is what he can offer:

And you can see why United may have prompted talks with the player. With the likes of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford, the football club seem to be targeting a certain type of player: adaptable, skilful and, most obviously, searingly quick.

Aubameyang embodies those attributes brilliantly, although he has also shown an exceptionally calm head when in front of goal this term, too. He’s injured at the moment, but before he picked up a knock, Sky Sports Statto summed up just how impressive he’d been:

While United seem to be harvesting footballers in the mould of Aubameyang, so too do Real Madrid, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Vazquez in their ranks. Playing alongside that crop of talent week after week would certainly be a tantalising proposition for the Dortmund star.

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Additionally, the Gabon international has spoken of his desire to join Los Blancos in the past, telling beIN Sports in March (h/t John Downes of the MailOnline) he’d promised his grandfather he would play for the football club one day. United, if they have held three rounds of talks, can at least say they tried their best to get this one done.

Manchester United Willing to Spend Big on Saul Niguez

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According to OKDiario (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), Manchester United will step up their interest in signing Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, having previously been unwilling to match La Liga side’s valuation.

Saul, who has been superb for Atletico this term, is said to be rated at £35.2 million by the capital club. Here’s a look at why the 21-year-old is considered one of the most exciting prospects around:

In the piece, Harvey added it’s claimed the Red Devils "have already held several rounds of talks with Saul's father and agent Jorge Mendes," although they are now "prepared to break the bank" to get him on board.

The aforementioned valuation may seem steep for a young man who is still learning the game, although those who have followed Saul’s progress this term will attest to the fact this is a young man capable of going a long, long way. That’s because there’s little he can’t do.

Bleacher Report’s Karl Matchett noted he’s one of a crop of Atletico players still relatively underrated:

United, naturally, would love to acquire him. Saul is at his best at the heart of midfield, although he’s adept playing on either flank. That’s because he has brilliant technical ability, a great engine and a superb understanding of the game. Additionally, his defensive qualities have seen him deployed at centre-back this term, too.

At the moment it’s difficult to see why he’d swap Madrid for Manchester, though. Diego Simeone’s side may not be the grandest on the continent, but they are challenging for the top honours in the game consistently and Saul has made himself a key factor in this side.

At the moment, United—aside from financially—simply don’t measure up.