​Manchester United are aiming to finalize a transfer for Marcus Rashford before they begin their pre-season camp in Dublin this August. The club has fixed August 9 as the official start date for their pre-season activities, ensuring that all World Cup participants will be available for the training schedule. The Sun reports that United want to avoid another season-long loan for Rashford, and they plan to seize a narrow transfer window opportunity as the 28-year-old seeks to stay “fully present in the moment” while England contest the World Cup.
In other news, United have agreed a £50 million deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. BBC Sport indicates the Red Devils will pay an initial £48 million with an additional £2 million in add-ons, while Chelsea retain a 10 percent sell-on clause for the 22-year-old. Central midfield has been identified as a priority for United this summer, following the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s knee injury in the squad.
Juventus are pressing Aston Villa to lower their asking price for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has already agreed personal terms with Juventus. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Martinez, 33, who is tied to Villa until 2029, is set to sign a three-year contract worth €5 million per season with the Bianconeri—a substantial pay cut from his current Villa deal.
Meanwhile, Fichajes claims Barcelona have added Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi to their shortlist of alternatives to Julian Alvarez, though they will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal. However, Bournemouth are not keen to let the 20-year-old leave; Kroupi rewarded his 13-goal debut Premier League season with strong performances, but the club views him as not for sale.
In another development, Crystal Palace are on the verge of signing Spanish fullback Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 27-year-old defender becomes a free agent after departing Celta Vigo and can operate at both centre-back and right-back. Mingueza’s move would bolster Palace’s defensive options as they prepare for the new season.