Man Utd transfer news: Red Devils plot ‘ambush’ as £43m Brazilian striker eyed | Football | Sport
Michael Carrick has enjoyed a superb start to his Manchester United reign, with consecutive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. United have climbed back into the top four and will be eager to secure their Champions League spot by the conclusion of the 2025/2026 campaign.
Nevertheless, they have yet to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window and have less than a week remaining to enhance Carrick’s options and turn their Champions League aspirations into reality. United have been linked with various reinforcements across different positions, although the bulk of their transfer activity occurred during the summer, securing players such as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Express Sport looks at the latest Man Utd transfer news and speculation with a week remaining in the window…
Brazilian media outlet Radio Tupi suggests Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea are all monitoring Brazilian forward Vitor Roque. However, Palmeiras have reportedly set a substantial £43million valuation, according to the report.
The 20-year-old striker made his mark at Cruzeiro and Athletico Paranaense early in his career, netting numerous goals in Brazil’s premier division, which attracted Barcelona’s attention.
However, the Brazilian forward failed to establish himself in Spain. He managed just two goals in 16 outings before securing a loan switch to Real Betis.
He netted seven goals across 33 outings during his loan stint at Betis, before heading back to Brazil where he has bagged an impressive 20 goals in 59 matches following a €25.5million (£21.1m) switch to Palmeiras.
The report suggests that none of the Premier League trio have submitted a formal bid for the striker, who is only in his fifth campaign of senior football.
Man Utd ‘to hijack’ Saudi bid
FootMercato reports that Man Utd are preparing to make a move for Rennes sensation Mohamed Kader Meite. Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal are also said to be readying a €40m (£34.7m) swoop for the 18-year-old forward.
Meite has found the net three times in 18 outings for the Ligue 1 club across all competitions this term. Neymar’s former side Al-Hilal are understood to be interested in securing the youngster’s signature.
The report suggests Man Utd could ‘hijack’ the transfer. This would depend on one of their current strikers departing this month.
Joshua Zirkzee appears the most probable candidate to exit – having been touted for a Serie A return, with AS Roma expressing interest in his services.
It remains uncertain whether Man Utd would match the Saudi Arabian club’s valuation, and it seems unlikely that Zirkzee will depart Old Trafford this month – according to current reports.
