IN – Yerry Mina
The Sun claim Manchester United are in Spain working on a £35million transfer swoop for Barcelona defender Yerry Mina.
The Colombia international seems a decent alternative to more expensive defensive targets linked with MUFC this summer, and most fans would surely take him.
Mina may have struggled for regular playing time at the Nou Camp, but would surely be a decent enough upgrade on the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at the back for Mourinho’s side.
OUT – Marcos Rojo
And speaking of defenders who aren’t really good enough for United, Goal claim Marcos Rojo could be on his way out before the end of the summer after becoming a target for Everton.
That same piece also states the Toffees have been trying to sign Mina from Barcelona, but if United do step up their interest as the Sun suggests they have, then it could make sense for Everton to move for Rojo instead.
It would also surely free up the Argentine to move on as United would have sufficient defensive cover for the new season.
OUT – Matteo Darmian
Finally, another backup player who surely has no future in Manchester, Matteo Darmian has been linked with a variety of Serie A clubs this summer.
The latest from Sky Sports is that Napoli have confirmed an interest in signing the Italy international on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
If United can offload these four, whilst spending £97m on Mina and Willian, and landing Rakitic as part of the Pogba deal, there’s a decent case for saying they’d come out stronger for it.
While many would be disappointed not to see Pogba and Martial make it, one imagines Mourinho would have more luck getting Rakitic and Willian to play the way he wants, and build a more cohesive system with these more experienced pros on the books.
Mina might not be everyone’s pick in defence, but he’s a cheap option and at 23 has his best years ahead of him.
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