Manchester United have drawn up a four-man shortlist of summer transfer targets as vice-chairman Ed Woodward accepts major investment is needed to close the gap on Europe’s elite. United’s focus is on defence, with a potential overhaul to their back line with Kalidou Koulibaly, Lucas Hernandez and Nikola Milenkovic all linked, while Douglas Costa could be brought in to bolster their attacking ranks, according to The Mirror.
United were defeated 2-0 at Old Trafford by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night in the Champions League, their first loss since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as interim manager for the season. The Norwegian has led United into the top four since replacing Jose Mourinho in December but Woodward believes a spending spree is in order for United to return to competing for major honours.
The £90m-rated Napoli defender Koulibaly is top of their list. He was linked with United last summer and their failure to sign a centre-back was a major grievance for Mourinho. Versatile Atletico Madrid defender Hernandez is also wanted. The France international is comfortable in the middle or as a left-back. An alternative option is Milenkovic, the Fiorentina and Serbia defender who can play as a centre-back and right-back.
Juventus attacker Costa is also reportedly of interest. The 28-year-old has been linked with an exit from the Italian giants in the summer window and could be available for £53m, according to RAI Sport in Italy. However, reports in Spain claim Chelsea and Manchester United have ‘asked about Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic with his contract situation at the La Liga club unresolved’.
Rakitic dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from Barcelona and insisted he wants to open talks with the club about extending his contract last month. The 30-year-old’s current contract runs until 2021 but the Catalan giants do not intend to discuss a new deal, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The Croatia international has made 34 appearances for Ernesto Valverde’s side this campaign, scoring four goals and providing six assists. Rakitic’s future in Spain was thrown into doubt following the arrival of 21-year-old midfielder Frenkie de Jong for £65million from Ajax.
United are back in action on Monday when they meet Chelsea in the FA Cup in a tie reminiscent of last season’s final where an Antonio Conte led Chelsea defeated Manchester United at Wembley. The Reds return to Premier League action on February 24 at home to Liverpool in a match that could blow open the Premier League race.