Manchester United Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez Rumours, Andreas Pereira Latest

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez was reportedly given permission to leave the Algeria squad on the final day of the transfer window because he was hopeful of pushing through a move to Manchester United.

According to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday, "Mahrez's representatives were trying to force through a move to Old Trafford," with manager Jose Mourinho said to be an admirer of the player.

However, as Hetherington reported, the Foxes received no late bids for their star man despite United, AS Roma, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all being linked with moves for the 26-year-old.

As journalist Nick Harris noted, Mahrez's decision to leave the Algeria squad in search of a move was one of the stories of the final day of the transfer window:

Hetherington stated Mourinho was keen to add another winger to his squad, with Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic chased for much of the summer. The Red Devils were said to be put off by the Croatian's £48 million valuation.

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It would have been fascinating to see Mahrez work under a manager like Mourinho. The winger boasts so much natural talent and was a decisive presence in 2015-16, when Leicester romped to a remarkable Premier League title win. Last term, while his standards dropped domestically, the Algerian was outstanding in the UEFA Champions League.

Having failed to get the move he appeared determined to land, it will be fascinating to see how Mahrez responds in the months to come. United, with Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata on their books, have more than enough to cope on the flanks.

Andreas Pereira Agrees New Contract

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Manchester United announced on Saturday that Andreas Pereira had agreed a new contract with the club until 2019.

On Friday, Valencia snapped up the 21-year-old midfielder on a one-year loan deal after it looked as though the Brazil youth international was going to remain at Old Trafford for the season. However, with fresh terms secured, it's clear the Red Devils believe he could have a future at the club.

"Andreas is already a very good footballer," said Mourinho. "He is a young player with great natural ability and a good attitude towards continuing his development. I have no doubt that he has the potential to be one of the future great players of this club."

Per Simon Stone of BBC Sport, it appears as though this season is vital for Pereira if he's to make it at United:

Last season, the youngster was on loan at Granada. While his side struggled in La Liga, the midfielder was always abuzz with energy and ingenuity in possession. At Valencia, a team who appear to be back on the up following Marcelino's appointment as manager, he will be expected to take another step forward.

Given the attacking options at United's disposal, Pereira needs to set impeccable standards if he is going to become a first-team option. Those associated with the Old Trafford club will be keeping a close eye on his development this term.