Transfer rumor roundup 5/17: United interested in Sime Vrsaljko
By Elliot Howey
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors from across the soccer world. Find out which players could be joining new teams this summer.
The highlight of Thursdays transfer rumors is that Manchester United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid full-back Sime Vrsaljko, according to the Daily Mail.
According to reports this morning, Atletico Madrid are willing to sell the Croatia defender to Manchester United to raise extra money to spend on bolstering other areas of the squad.
Vrsaljko did start for Atleti in Wednesday’s Europa League final against Marseille, which saw Madrid win 3-0. However, there will be a question marks over the defender’s ability to cope in the Premier League after he was sent off 10 minutes into the first leg of the Europa League semifinal against Arsenal last month.
Jose Mourinho is looking to Vrsaljko to offer some much-needed competition and cover for Antonio Valencia. Manchester United are keen to add more quality to the full-back roster for next season.
Both Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw have found themselves frozen out at times this season and Manchester United may look to offload the pair this summer to fund a move for Vrsaljko.
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney’s move to DC United maybe be delayed or even off according to The Sun. Following Everton’s sacking of Sam Allardyce yesterday, it’s reported that Everton’s hierarchy are not willing to sanction the move until the new manager has been appointed.
The Everton board wants to give the new manager the final say on whether to sell or keep the ex-England international or allow him to leave. The transfer window in MLS doesn’t open until July, however with the World Cup running between June and July it may delay Everton’s search for their new manager.
Arsenal have reportedly renewed their interested in Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans according to the Daily Mirror. Arsenal, who had a £15 million bid rejected by West Brom last summer are keen to reopen negotiations.
While West Brom are now resigned to losing the defender due to their relegation from the Premier League. As it is reported that Jonny Evans has a clause in his contract that following West Brom’s relegation to the Championship. He can leave for £3 million.
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In one of his last interviews as Arsenal manager with Arsenal.com, Arsene Wenger has spoken about the players he tried to sign.
He said: “The obvious player that comes to mind is Ronaldo.”
“He was here with his mother and we were very close. Then Man United came in and they had Carlos Queiroz at the time, who was their coach. United played against Sporting Lisbon and Ronaldo was outstanding and they signed him.”
He added: “I met Cesc’s [Fabregas] parents and at the time we were interested in Messi and [Gerard] Pique as well. We tried for the three but of course it didn’t work out. With Messi, Barcelona didn’t want to lose him of course. They made [the offer] that was needed to keep the player at the club.”