Manchester United have been dealt a massive blow as it has emerged that the club may have to sell players before they make any moves in the transfer market this summer as their ownership battle rages on.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their side significantly this summer and Tottenham striker Harry Kane was thought to be their primary target as they seek a new focal point at the top of the pitch.
There were also suggestions that they would rival Arsenal for the signing of Declan Rice, who is valued similarly at around £100m by current club West Ham.
But, having spent over £200m last summer, and with the future of the club unclear, that could be tricky.
“Right now, to my knowledge, Manchester United are not able to move on very much at all”, reliable journalist David Ornstein revealed.
“You speak to people around the club and there seems to be quite a clear sense that they might have to sell before they can buy.
“You’ve got players like Victor Osimhen, but that’s huge money.”
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— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 19, 2023
And the takeover continues to drag on, with the initial announcement having been made in November and the first bids having been submitted in March. As it stands, there is no clear timeframe for any resolution, and it isn’t looking pretty for those who are desperate for change.
“It feels that this process has become a bit of a mess. Certainly it’s not ideal for Manchester United. Maybe it’s ideal for the Glazers if they are going to achieve the price that they want”, Ornstein explained.
“That won’t be music to the ears of United fans unless they depart in full. But it’s affecting what United can do in the market.”
Who could they sell?
There is little value to much of the Manchester United squad, but several players could be offloaded for between £10m and £20m, with all of Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Alex Telles, Anthony Elanga and Fred falling into that category.
Victor Lindelof has also spoken of his desire to play regularly, something that he will be unable to do at Old Trafford, and he could be one to watch across the summer transfer window amid links to Serie A.
