An exclusive interview with Luca Bendoni on the latest transfer rumours surrounding Manchester United incomings and outgoings.
As myself and Luca were about to begin our conversation, he and Nathan Gissing had received breaking news on a Manchester club entering the race for West Ham’s highly sought midfielder Declan Rice, however, it was not the one I had hoped for. Manchester City had entered the race and were prepared to make a bid for the 24 year old Englishman. So, with a heavy heart I began our exclusive interview and below are the transfer guru’s comments on the prospective targets I put forward, with no better place to start than with Declan Rice.
Declan Rice: Midfielder – West Ham
“Unfortunately, there is no concrete approach from Manchester United regarding Rice, as those involved at the club are still awaiting the conclusion of the potential takeover. So, no huge bids can be made for a player like Rice until this is sorted and this has resulted in the slow approach so far from the club. Arsenal have had a couple of bids rejected but now Manchester City have entered the race as they are very, very keen on him joining the club, which I know is not what you wanted to hear haha.”
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Habib Diarra: Midfielder – Strasbourg
This target is one that Bendoni and the DiMarzio team broke the news of on their Twitter account, so I wished to see if there was any further devleopments.
“United approached the player’s camp about 1-2 months ago, with Darren Fletcher in particular leading the talks with Strasbourg to see if a potential deal could be done. A verbal offer was made of €11 million, but this was rejected by Strasbourg as they wish for slightly more before serious discussions can take place, however, since then French side Lens have approached the club to see if a deal can be done. In this case, a written offer of €11 million was submitted but, again, this was rejected as it matched the verbal offer given by United so Strasbourg were not going to disrespect United by accepting this. Marseille have now entered the race but in more of an exploratory way as it stands.”
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Federico Dimarco: Wing Back – Inter Milan
“Dimarco is a player that is developing fast at Inter, he was not in the side much after the club signed Robin Gosens from Atalanta. But he has developed his game immensely to now become the number one wing back at the club. He can play in a formation of three Centre-Backs or in a five man midfield but as it stands he only wants Inter. However, if a good project and huge offer come in then he will consider it. I saw him yesterday with his camp and he was all smiles and appeared very relaxed as he feels good at Inter but, like I said, anything can happen and he is admired at United.”
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André Onana: Goalkeeper – Inter Milan
“In the case of Onana, Inter have lost out on their option to replace him with Empoli keeper Guglielmo Vicario, who looks set to sign for Tottenham. Inter know an offer will come for him despite having no urge to sell him after an amazing last season. The player’s camp has already held talks with United as they spoke about a move, so Inter are awaiting an offer but nothing concrete has happened yet. Out of respect to Onana, Inter have not made any replacement options public and value him at around €40 – 50 million, so now it is just a waiting game to see if an offer comes in.
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Further targets in Italy: Højburg, Kim Min-Jae and Osimhen
“In terms of Kim Min-Jae, I believe a deal is close with Münich but Kim has to complete his military service before any move can transpire but he was Bayern’s top centre-back target coming into the transfer window and it is at an advanced stage in terms of negotiations.”
“Osimhen is a player that will cost a lot of money, as their President came out and said the other day, so it will take an incredible offer of €110-€130 million before any negotiations take place.”
“Højburg is a deal that could happen but there has been no concrete offer yet from United for the player. However, the player has recently moved to SEG, the same agency as Erik Ten Hag, so this is one to watch but I want to add that he is on the list of many other top clubs, not just United. Højburg is an exceptional player; strong, physically very fast and a good finisher so an all round striker, who will cost half the price of Osimhen at around €60 – 70 million but I don’t see him going for more than €60 million.
Centre Back targets: Toldibo, Diasi and Timber
“This position, again, will depend on the club’s potential takeover as all three have been monitored and are admired by Ten Hag and United. One name to look out for though is RB Leipzig’s Mohammed Simiakan. Scouts from Arsenal, Newcastle and United have been sent to watch the young defender play in the last couple of months but there is no concrete approach yet, however, United are monitoring his situation.”
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Outgoings: Maguire, Van de Beek and Martial
“The only player that looks likely at the moment out of these three is Van de Beek as his name was mentioned in a meeting between Roma and Manchester United, with United proposing a move for him to the Italian side, but nothing concrete at the moment so watch this space.”
“Maguire to Juventus, Inter or AC Milan has no chance due to the player’s wages considered too high and unfeasible by all three clubs, despite interest in him, so this is most likely not going to happen”
“Martial, nothing been mentioned or suggested yet on his potential exit or interested clubs.”
Embed from Getty ImagesI would like to thank Luca Bendoni for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to do this interview, with another to be set up in the near future, during this very busy period known as the transfer window. If you wish to follow his developing stories and breaking news then please follow him on Twitter at @LucaBendoni and his team @DiMarzio.