Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Dries Mertens and Willian

Napoli forward Dries Mertens, who is said to be a transfer target for Manchester United, may reportedly be sold this summer if the club fails to agree a new contract with the player.

According to Il Mattino (h/t Calciomercato.com), discussions about an extension are ongoing between the player's representatives and the Serie A side, although they're also said to have consulted with clubs from across Europe to see Mertens' earning potential.

It's also stated Napoli's willingness to include a significant release clause in the Belgian's contract may be delaying matters and that if the situation is not resolved by the summer, with his terms to expire in 2018, the Partenopei will cash in.

That'd alert plenty of elite clubs, with United and Tottenham Hotspur both linked in the piece. Here's a reminder of why:

Mertens has made a massive step up during the 2016-17 season. Previously, he was viewed as a talented but erratic wide player, occasionally capable of making key contributions, although often making bad decisions in possession.

But manager Maurizio Sarri has used Mertens as a centre-forward this season following an injury to Arkadiusz Milik early in the campaign, and the Belgian has excelled. Per Squawka Football, this is the finest goalscoring campaign he's had for Napoli:

The 29-year-old may not have the anatomy of a classic striker, but he's proved to be difficult for Serie A defenders to cope with. Mertens is sharp with his movement, willing to drop off into midfield or run in behind, and his close control and cool head in front of goal have made him unstoppable at times.

United would undoubtedly benefit from a player like Mertens, who can thrive in so many different areas of the field. If Napoli do fail to tie him down to fresh terms, expect the Red Devils and plenty of other outfits to make their moves for the forward.

Willian Linked

Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

According to Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is keen to reunite with Chelsea winger Willian at Old Trafford.

Mourinho signed the Brazil international during his second spell at Stamford Bridge, and during the Blues' disappointing 2015-16 season, the 28-year-old was a star man.

It's reported United were interested in signing Willian last summer but may stand a better chance of landing him at the end of this season. That's because he's fallen down the pecking order under Antonio Conte, with Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Pedro the Italian's preferred front three.

It's a shame for the player, especially given how impressive he was last term, offering energy and incision on the right flank. Per WhoScored.com, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man is a deadeye from set pieces too:

A total of 13 Premier League starts won't feel like enough for Willian, who has demonstrated he can be effective in English football's top flight. In the peak years of his career, he'll want to be starting many more games.

It's easy to see why Mourinho might want to secure him too. The Brazilian can dazzle defenders with his sharp footwork and find the top corner in dead-ball situations, but he's a physical and industrious presence on the flanks as well. However, convincing Chelsea to sell to a rival would be a big challenge.