Manchester United Transfer News: Gabriel Jesus, Memphis Depay, Top Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly bid £19 million for Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus, but the "new Neymar" has announced he does not want to leave the club. 

The forward told Goal Brasil (Anthony Chapman of the Sun):

"

I have a preference [to stay] at Palmeiras. I have to work to be here. If one day it happens that I go to these clubs or even to others who are big, I will be very happy.

It’s out of the question to talk about [contract negotiations], it’s complicated. The contract goes through me, I decide that, but I will not be able to explain it right otherwise we will stay here until tomorrow and I’ll still be explaining.

"

Like the Barcelona forward he is earning comparisons to, Jesus is an exciting attacker who can play along the front three. 

Last season the 19-year-old scored four goals and had two assists in the Brazilian Serie A after breaking into Palmeiras' senior side during the season, and this year he has already netted four goals in four games in the Copa Libertadores.

Here are some of his highlights from last year:

Prior to joining the senior side, Jesus stood out at youth level bagging 54 goals in 48 matches for Palmeiras, before netting a further 37 from 22 games at under-17s level.

Sports writer Jonas Giaever ran the rule over his talents, and revealed the Neymar comparisons are indeed somewhat accurate:

According to Chapman, "he is also willing to work hard, track back and defend," which are rare qualities in young South American forwards who possess an abundance of flair.

As his comments indicated, Jesus seems willing to make the move to a European club some time in the future—a future that looks to be very bright—so United should maintain their interest in him until such a time as he's willing to leave.

Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Memphis Depay reportedly sought to clarify his future at Old Trafford with manager Louis van Gaal in April after being restricted to cameo appearances against Crystal Palace and Leicester City—decisions that made the forward "furious," according to an exclusive from Charlie Wyett of the Sun.

The Dutchman has failed to live up to expectations thus far in his United career. Football writer Liam Canning is an admirer, though, and hopes for him to be given another chance after picking up his form slightly in the second half of the season:

Indeed, there is plenty of time for him to come good, so moving him on this summer would seem premature. Should he still struggle to make an impact next season, then it might be appropriate to call time on his United career.

Lastly, according to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic could be interested in a move to United this summer—if his old boss Jose Mourinho takes charge as manager.

The Red Devils already have several strong options in the centre—Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin—but with Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick still often enjoying a starting berth something of a revamp could be in order.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Matic has fallen below his usual standards this year but last season was vital to the Blues' title win thanks to his ability to protect the back four and free up the more creative talents around him to shine.

If he can recapture that form he could be an excellent signing for United, though, as Jones noted, Chelsea will be reluctant to allow him to join their rivals, so it could be a difficult and expensive deal to pull off.