Man United latest: £43m swap deal considered with three players involved

Manchester United are closing in on Champions League qualification and are already focused on the summer transfer window.

Manchester United are edging closer to Champions League qualification as they aim to conclude the campaign strongly. Michael Carrick‘s squad occupy third spot in the Premier League, 11 points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton.

They took another significant stride on Monday evening, emerging as 2-1 victors over Brentford at Old Trafford. Strikes from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko secured three valuable points.

Focus now shifts to the crucial showdown against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (3.30pm kick-off). Arne Slot’s team trail United by one position and three points in the standings, promising a fascinating contest.

As the campaign enters its decisive phase, thoughts inevitably begin drifting towards the summer transfer window and potential arrivals and departures. There has already been considerable speculation about possible movement at United.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

With that in mind, here’s a round-up of the latest developments from Old Trafford..

Players considered for swap deal

AC Milan will weigh up three United players as part of an exchange deal for Rafael Leao, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The publication claims that United have already established contact with representatives over a potential arrangement for Leao this summer, though their primary target remains Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Nevertheless, Leao could prove a more straightforward move, with Milan now prepared to entertain offers for the winger.

The Italian club are reportedly demanding approximately €50 million (£43.3m) but their interest in three United players could potentially facilitate a swap deal.

Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford are all referenced. All three could depart Old Trafford this summer.

Zirkzee has failed to make a significant impression since his transfer from Bologna, while Rashford has spent the campaign on loan with Barcelona. The Spanish club have the option to make the arrangement permanent for £26 million but appear increasingly unlikely to activate it.

United could consequently be seeking a buyer in the summer. Utilising him as part of an exchange for Leao could be viewed as a resolution.

Financial boost sacrificed

United have sacrificed a financial windfall from a friendly against RB Leipzig. Sky Germany report that as part of the arrangement between the two clubs over striker Benjamin Sesko, a friendly fixture must take place.

Rather than United financially profiting from the match, Leipzig will instead collect all of the proceeds. It’s reported that the game must be staged within the ‘next few years’.

United signed Sesko last summer, paying a fee of approximately £66.3million. However, Sky Germany report that it is now set to climb to £74 million with add-ons. It is reported that approximately £3.5 million in bonuses will be available for achievements including appearances, goals and Champions League qualification.

In his debut campaign with the club, Sesko has found the net 11 times in 31 appearances across all competitions. He netted what proved to be the decisive goal in Monday evening’s victory over Brentford.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.