Football transfer rumours: Porto’s Evanilson to Manchester United?

Having been surreptitiously filmed in his local pub telling a handful of fans that Manchester United have “[effing] burned through cash”, as he got in front of a planned protest outside his house at the weekend, the club’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, could torch more currency during his first transfer window in charge of the club’s kitty. United want to sign the Brazilian striker Evanilson but have had an opening bid of more than £50m rejected by Porto, who want considerably more.

Having also been knocked back by the whelpish Ajax central defender Jurrien Timber, who has no interest in leaving the Dutch champions before the World Cup, United are ready to court the 20-year-old’s teammate Lisandro Martínez instead. Heavily linked with Arsenal, who are believed to have had a £26m bid for the 24-year-old Argentinian rejected by Ajax, Martínez may fancy joining his former boss Erik ten Hag. In other news pertaining to United, defenders Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been told they are surplus to Ten Hag’s requirements and are free to seek alternative employment elsewhere.

Leeds are resigned to losing their star winger Raphina, who is reported to be “very close” to inking a £43m deal to sign for Arsenal. With Kalvin Phillips also expected to leave Elland Road for Manchester City, Jesse Marsch is in need of replacements for two of the best players in his squad. The American has already identified Club Brugge’s Dutch winger Noa Lang, who is also wanted by West Ham and Milan, as a replacement for Raphina, while Leipzig defensive midfielder Tyler Adams could be given the unenviable task of filling the big boots vacated by Phillips.

Chelsea have joined the orderly queue of clubs hoping to sign Richarlison from