As the 2020/21 Premier League season draws ever closer, Manchester United are still yet to make a senior addition to their squad.
A number of fringe players have moved on, with Alexis Sanchez the highest profile departure, but we continue to await a major breakthrough in United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho, a transfer story which is in danger of going right to the wire.
It’s not the first time United have embarked on a lengthy pursuit of a player, and we’ve got an update for you as a previous long-term target breaks his silence on a failed move several years ago.
There’s also the latest on another young British player on United’s radar this summer, plus the news that one of the several academy men released over the last couple of months has found a new club.
Bournemouth yet to receive a bid for Brooks
David Brooks’ name has been mentioned in connection with Manchester United this summer, as well as a number of other Premier League clubs, following the Cherries’ relegation from the top flight.
However, with less than three weeks until the start of the new season, Jason Tindall’s side are yet to receive an official bid for the Welsh international.
"We as a football club have got a value of what we believe for our players and if that value is met then players have got the opportunity to then discuss with whoever they need to discuss with, and then make the decision they feel is right for them," Tindall told Sky Sports.
However, the same outlet reports no bid has been lodged, despite reported interest from United, Leicester City, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Brooks missed most of last season through injury, but returned to feature in the last nine games of the season and scored once against Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has been named in Ryan Giggs’ Wales squad for their upcoming fixtures, as well as United duo Daniel James and Dylan Levitt.
Argentina playmaker explains collapse of long-rumoured United move
There was a period a few years ago when Nico Gaitan seemed to be linked with Manchester United on a near-weekly basis, but a move for the midfielder was never completed.
The Argentina international, then at Benfica, is now back in Portugal with Braga after stints in Spain, China, France and the United States, where he played alongside former United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger for Chicago Fire.
Gaitan has given an interview to Portuguese publication Record, translated by Sport Witness, in which he explains work permit issues played a part in an Old Trafford switch never materialising.
“I had no European citizenship and wasn’t a national team player,” he said.
“I used to be called up, but I didn’t play and it was necessary to fulfil a number of games. It didn’t meet these requirements and it wasn’t possible. But if it didn’t happen, it was for some reason.”
Gaitan has 16 caps for Argentina, but only one since leaving Benfica in 2016.
Young goalkeeper signs for Blackpool after United release
Goalkeeper Alex Fojticek was unable to break through at Old Trafford, leaving Manchester United when his contract expired over the summer.
However, he has now found a new club, signing a one-year deal with Blackpool with an option to extend it by a further 12 months,
The 20-year-old joined United as a teenager from FC Tatran Presov in his home country of Slovakia, and made three Premier League 2 appearances last season.
“Alex has impressed us since joining on trial a few weeks back,” Blackpool goalkeeping coach Steve Banks said.
“His commanding presence in the box is a real asset and he further strengthens the goalkeeping position at the Club.”
The Tangerines, who are managed by former Liverpool Under-23 boss Neil Critchley, will be hoping to improve on last season’s mid-table finish in League One.
