Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories that you might have missed.
Graeme Souness believes United could run into trouble in any pursuit of Declan Rice - and Manchester City are to blame!
Rio Ferdinand earned great rewards for charting the treacherous path from Elland Road to Old Trafford. Could a highly rated youngster be ready to follow in his footsteps?
Meanwhile, United and Barcelona could have found a mutually beneficial solution for their France international wingers.
Souness gives Grealish warning over potential Declan Rice fee
Ex-Liverpool man Souness has warned clubs plotting a move for West Ham’s Rice, saying they will have to splash the cash.
Souness explained to The Times that Jack Grealish’s move to City has raised the bar in terms of what clubs are expected to pay for prime English talent.
“Jack Grealish’s transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City for £100million means that’s where the bidding is likely to start for Rice, who’s four years younger at 22," he said.
Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with Rice but Souness cautioned that they’ll need to dig deep into their pockets.
“City, Chelsea and United will all pay a premium for Rice," he said. “The only argument you can offer if you’re buying is that he’s not a striker and that’s where the big money generally goes. It might take Rice to another level.”
Our take: He’s not wrong. The value of players nowadays, even in previously unglamorous positions, is sky-high. West Ham sure will try to milk as much as they can for Rice if his time in east London is to come to an end.
Possible Martial-Dembele swap
Barcelona have reportedly gotten in touch with United over a possible swap deal for Ousmane Dembele and Anthony Martial. The Frenchman's exit has been the source of much speculation after Ralf Rangnick confirmed Martial wants to move on.
Spanish side Sevilla tried to sign Martial on loan but United rejected the proposal. According to The Mirror Barca are willing to offer Dembele as part of a deal to seal Martial’s signature.
Our take: Dembele is playing in the final year of his contract at the Catalan club and Barca can only feasibly keep him on reduced wages as they look to reinvest under new boss Xavi. Throw in his appalling injury record and it looks like a proposal United should steer clear of.
Charlie Cresswell to become the new Rio Ferdinand?
Manchester United are preparing to battle it out with rivals Liveprool to sign Charlie Cresswell. The Leeds United youngster is having a breakthrough season at Elland Road.
The England Under-21 international is reported by The Sun to be on the radar of both United and Liverpool, although his lifelong support of Leeds could be a tricky emotional aspect to navigate.
Our take: There’s no doubt that there are weaknesses in the current United defence. Investing in a talented, young centre-back who could lead the Reds line for potentially years to come wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
