Transfer gossip: ‘Sensational twist’ in £25m deal sees Manchester United target superhero

Manchester United want a centre-half and a £25m caped crusader fits the bill. Pep Guardiola fancies Marc Cucurella. Dele Alli is off again.

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POW!

The 22-year-old’s name came up during the recent meeting between Erik ten Hag, John Murtough, Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, with the incoming manager a particular ‘admirer of the left-sided centre-back’.

BOFF!

Botman actually came through the Ajax ranks, joining Lille in 2020 and winning Ligue Un in his first season. His second campaign has been less successful but Lille’s record when he starts is 1.63 points per game, in comparison to 1.15 when he doesn’t.

KAPOW!

Newcastle have previously been linked but Fabian Schar is mint now and so Manchester United have commenced ‘preliminary talks’ over Botman.

THWAPP!

MARC OF THE MAN

Joao Cancelo, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake – a right-back, an attacking midfielder and a centre-half – have filled in for Guardiola, who ‘wants a more orthodox left-back to provide balance’. But the Daily Mail do point out that Cucurella’s ability to play as a wide midfielder is another tick to his name.

Brighton would want at least £30m for their Player of the Season. Manchester City, who have already signed Erling Haaland for literally all the money, are also targeting a central midfielder.

Marc Cucurella accepting his Brighton Player awards:

“Ey, gaffer, next season put me on the bench, I don’t like speaking English!” pic.twitter.com/ttO3x2cDP6

— Football Tweet  (@Football__Tweet) May 11, 2022

ALLI OOP

Tottenham would be due 25% of any sale and also stand to receive ‘a small bonus’ upon Alli’s 10th Everton appearance. That seems to be the reason why he has been an unused substitute in