{"id":7608,"date":"2026-05-12T13:15:52","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=7608"},"modified":"2026-05-12T13:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:15:52","slug":"man-utd-news-69m-transfer-fight-with-chelsea-as-initial-contact-made-and-issue-raised","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=7608","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd news: \u00a369m transfer fight with Chelsea as &#8216;initial contact made&#8217; and issue raised"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_f51d10\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Manchester United have been linked with a move for a \u00a369m star also interesting Chelsea, while another transfer target has raised some concerns<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Byline_byline-container__K_Owl\" data-testid=\"byline\"><span class=\"Byline_byline-content-wrapper__Imque\" data-testid=\"byline-content\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"Byline_author-badge-date-wrapper__Q7jj1\">\n<p><span class=\"\" data-testid=\"byline-publishedDate\">07:54, 12 May 2026<\/span><span class=\"ArticleTimestamp_updated-date__7qD4Q ArticleTimestamp_updated-date-with-published__iFKpF\" data-testid=\"byline-updatedDate\">Updated 07:54, 12 May 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"36548058\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Manchester United chiefs have consulted Michael Carrick on summer signings\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36548058.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/2_Manchester-United-Appoint-New-Head-Coach-Michael-Carrick.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36548058.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/2_Manchester-United-Appoint-New-Head-Coach-Michael-Carrick.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36548058.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/2_Manchester-United-Appoint-New-Head-Coach-Michael-Carrick.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article36548058.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/2_Manchester-United-Appoint-New-Head-Coach-Michael-Carrick.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Manchester United chiefs have consulted Michael Carrick on summer signings\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Manchester United chiefs have consulted Michael Carrick on summer signings<cite aria-label=\"Image: Manchester United via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Manchester United can now turn their attention to the transfer window with renewed optimism after their Champions League qualification.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The club face numerous crucial decisions this summer, including naming a permanent manager. Regardless of whether Michael Carrick stays in the hot seat, the interim boss has acknowledged his involvement in transfer planning discussions. Strengthening the squad will prove essential as United aim to challenge across all competitions next season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">One left sided midfielder and left back has reportedly emerged on their radar ahead of the summer window. Meanwhile, Carrick&#8217;s team have also been touted with a swoop for a winger. Here&#8217;s all the latest news from Old Trafford.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37133590\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37133590\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37133590.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Manchester-United-Press-Conference.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37133590.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Manchester-United-Press-Conference.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37133590.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Manchester-United-Press-Conference.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37133590.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Manchester-United-Press-Conference.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\"><cite aria-label=\"Image: Manchester United via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">JOIN US ON FB!<\/strong> Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_f51d10\">&#8216;Initial contact made&#8217; for ace<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Uruguayan ace Maxi Araujo is said to be catching the eye of an increasing number of clubs including United following his stellar performances this campaign, reports the Mirror.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 26-year-old has netted seven times and registered four assists from left-back and left-midfield for Sporting CP. Portuguese publication A Bola names United among several sides to have expressed interest in the Uruguay international.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The report claims the club have conducted preliminary discussions with the player&#8217;s representatives. Premier League competitors Chelsea and Tottenham are reported to have also been in touch with his representatives.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37071774\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37071774\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 19: Maximiliano Ara\u00fajo of Sporting CP runs in the field during the Primeira Liga match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Est\u00e1dio Jos\u00e9 Alvalade on April 19, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37071774.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Sporting-CP-v-SL-Benfica-Primeira-Liga.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37071774.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Sporting-CP-v-SL-Benfica-Primeira-Liga.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37071774.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Sporting-CP-v-SL-Benfica-Primeira-Liga.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37071774.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Sporting-CP-v-SL-Benfica-Primeira-Liga.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Maxi Araujo is attracting interest\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Maxi Araujo is attracting interest<cite aria-label=\"Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, Atletico Madrid are currently believed to be front-runners for his signature. Araujo has three years left on his Sporting contract, which carries a \u00a369million release clause.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He&#8217;s seen as a top target for Atletico, but United could rival Diego Simeone&#8217;s team in their pursuit of a new left-back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sporting CP to United is of course the same transfer path that Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes completed in 2020 and he has gone on to become a legend at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_f51d10\">Winger update<\/h3>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37075067\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37075067\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.46\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Rafael Leao.\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37075067.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/3_GettyImages-2273257601.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37075067.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/3_GettyImages-2273257601.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37075067.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/3_GettyImages-2273257601.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37075067.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/3_GettyImages-2273257601.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Rafael Leao is a transfer target for United\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Rafael Leao is a transfer target for United<cite aria-label=\"Image: Marco Luzzani\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Marco Luzzani\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Manchester United have recently been associated with a move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But they may be troubled by his latest form, as the Portugal international has faced criticism from Italian press following his &#8220;poor&#8221; performance in Serie A this campaign, as he has battled a series of injuries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It has previously been suggested Leao could be up for grabs for around \u00a352m in the summer, with United showing interest. The 26-year-old has been at Milan since 2019, yet seems to be underperforming compared to his usual standards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Calciomercato criticised his recent display against Atalanta as Milan&#8217;s chances of securing a Champions League spot took a hit. Leao, who was described as displaying an &#8220;apathetic attitude&#8221;, was taken off before the 60-minute mark with his side down 3-0.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Leao has netted 10 goals this season for Max Allegri&#8217;s team. While United might be concerned by the forward&#8217;s dip in form, the club could aid him in finding his scoring touch again at Old Trafford, should he make the move.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Manchester United have been linked with a move for a \u00a369m star also interesting Chelsea,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7609,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7608"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7608\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}