Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly said to have identified his major targets for this summer’s transfer window as he prepares to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2017/18 Premier League season.
At the top of his wish list is bullish Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who currently tops the Premier League’s scoring charts with 21 goals after a highly impressive season, leading the Everton front line with an air of lethal dominance.
Links with Manchester United seem to be gathering pace after the Belgian forward confirmed that he will not be renewing his contract at Goodison Park, meaning a Mourinho swoop is seeming increasingly likely.
The £70m-rated striker is said to have a release clause that would allow the former Chelsea man to leave if the Toffees fail to secure a Champions League spot, with the Daily Express claiming Mourinho is hot on his trail.
The 23-year-old’s blistering form this season, coupled with the fact of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s advancing years means a move for the powerful front-man would be a wise strategic move for the future of the Old Trafford based club.
Elsewhere, talk of David De Gea’s future always seems to be lingering across the back pages, so expect much of the same this summer, with Man Utd’s No.1 being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid according to Don Balon who believe that Mourinho wants to bring in Kasper Schmeichel, son of Man United legend Peter as his long-term successor.
The Leicester City custodian has been perhaps the one consistent performer for the Foxes this season, the highlight of the campaign being a pair of penalty saves during the Premier League title holder’s two legged triumph over Sevilla in the Champions League.
The 30-year-old would presumably jump at the chance of a move to Manchester United but would surely only consider such a move if he were a direct replacement for De Gea, as opposed to having to warm the bench behind the Spaniard.
Manchester United are fifth placed in the Premier League, albeit with games in hand, this despite having gone unbeaten in the top tier since late October, but their continued presence in the Europa League could well prove the easiest route to securing a crucial Champions League berth.