Manchester United’s primary focus during the summer transfer window was strengthening at the back after the club conceded a record 85 goals in all competitions, their worst in almost 50 years.
INEOS’ primary target was Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton but the Toffees refused to budge from their unrealistic valuation despite two big bids and the Red Devils were forced to look elsewhere.
In came Leny Yoro from Lille, a signing that sent shockwaves across Europe because the Old Trafford side beat off competition from Real Madrid to land the Frenchman.
After a lengthy delay, Matthijs de Ligt was signed from Bayern Munich and after a difficult start, he seems to be hitting his groove at his new home.
CB revamp on the cards
But uncertainty surrounds the future of Victor Lindelof, whom the club desperately tried to sell but his wage demands proved too costly for his suitors.
Jonny Evans is likely to hang up his boots at the conclusion of the campaign while Harry Maguire’s contract situation means he could leave as well.
The 20-time English league champions are expected to go back in for the Everton star and another player they are keeping tabs on after a summer approach was rejected is Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, the Old Trafford side had touched base with Spurs regarding the Argentine but the North London team shot down any talks of a potential move.
Apart from the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were also interested in the World Cup winner and with two years left in his current deal, clubs are lining up ahead of next summer hoping for a favourable deal.
Football Insider have claimed that Daniel Levy is set to offer the 26-year-old a brand-new lucrative deal next summer to ward off potential suitors.
“Tottenham want to tie reported Real Madrid target Cristian Romero down to a new contract, sources have told Football Insider. The 26-year-old’s contract at Spurs currently runs until June 2027.
Romero to be offered new deal
“Spurs will try to sit down with the defender next summer in a bid to fend off interest from Real Madrid and other top European clubs.”
The Argentina international has performed exceedingly well since his move to London from Bergamo but has no silverware to show for his efforts and the centre-back is likely to agitate for a move to a bigger club come next summer.
It will be interesting to see how Levy handles this latest mess. In the event the player expresses his desire to move, he is likely to block all avenues that lead to Old Trafford.
But Romero, in the past, has spoken glowingly about Lisandro Martinez and an all-Argentina partnership at the heart of United’s defence would be quite the sight.
INEOS have already beaten Real Madrid once in a transfer race, there’s no reason they cannot do the same again.
Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images
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