Tchouameni on the radar, two problems to solve
United want Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid. Two hurdles: the fee Real will demand, and the fact Atalanta's Ederson has already been brought in for the same midfield role (1). That second one is awkward. Tchouameni is viewed internally as the perfect Casemiro replacement, but you cannot just stack midfielders without moving pieces around first.
Amad is staying
Amad Diallo has no interest in leaving this summer (2). Other clubs have asked, and the answer has been the same every time. He wants to fight for minutes under Michael Carrick, with Champions League football returning and the fixture list about to expand, Carrick will need bodies.
Zirkzee heading back to Italy
Joshua Zirkzee looks set for Serie A after a season that never got going (2). Roma are in the frame. No fee mentioned yet, but the feeling is this one moves quickly once the window opens properly.
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Manzambi plays tonight, Newcastle lead the race
Johan Manzambi is on United's shortlist, but Newcastle are calm about any hijack attempt (3). Freiburg's midfielder has a £42m price tag, and Eddie Howe's side are furthest down the road. United are watching, not advancing. Manzambi starts for Switzerland against Colombia in the World Cup last 16 tonight, a big performance could shift the maths.
Fan reactions
The mood on the subreddit is split between Portugal heartbreak and transfer anxiety. Bruno Fernandes started against Spain in the last 16, Diogo Dalot stayed on the bench, and Portugal went out, fans are gutted for both but especially for Bruno. Meanwhile, a Talk of the Devils discussion has supporters debating whether the summer plan is actually on track, or just looks busy without landing the right names.
