Man United's centre-back scramble and other deals that could go to wire on transfer deadline day

Sport360 staff 20:59 08/08/2018
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  • Toby Alderweireld remains on Manchester United's radar.

    All 20 Premier League clubs are scrambling to finalise their summer recruitment before Thursday’s 5pm transfer deadline.

    Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the mooted deals.

    PAUL POGBA

    France’s World Cup-winning midfielder has been subject to a concerted push from Barcelona to prise the 25-year-old away from Old Trafford. Pogba is in his second spell at United, with a stint at Juventus sandwiched in between. Tensions appear to have built between the all-action star and Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, with Barcelona appearing ready to pounce.

    Barca appear ready to pounce for Pogba.

    Barca appear ready to pounce for Pogba.

    THIBAUT COURTOIS

    Highly-rated Belgium stopper Courtois should be Real Madrid-bound. The 26-year-old failed to report for Chelsea training on Monday, as he forces through his craved moved to Spain. Courtois’ family has continued to live in Madrid since his season-long loan from Chelsea to Atletico back in 2011. Now he is on the brink of joining La Liga giants Real.

    Courtois is on the verge of signing with Real Madrid.

    Courtois is on the verge of signing with Real Madrid.

    KEPA ARRIZABALAGA

    The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has bought himself out of his £71million contract, ahead of an expected move to Chelsea. That fee would represent a world record for a goalkeeper – eclipsing the £66.8million that Liverpool paid Roma for Alisson Becker in July.

    Chelsea have triggered the Spaniard's release clause.

    Chelsea have triggered the Spaniard’s release clause.

    HARRY MAGUIRE/TOBY ALDERWEIRELD/JEROME BOATENG

    Manchester United’s dogged pursuit of a top-class centre back is expected to end with the capture of one of this trio. Leicester’s Harry Maguire has been a summer-long target for United, but his fine World Cup exploits with England have pushed up the Foxes’ valuation of one of their top assets. Spurs defender Alderweireld has been eyeing a move away from the north London club for some time now, and could be about to get his wish. Bayern defender Boateng has emerged as a possible fall-back option for United in the last few days.

    Mourinho and United remain in a desperate scramble for a defender.

    Mourinho and United remain in a desperate scramble for a defender.

    JACK GREALISH

    Wily playmaker Grealish had appeared on the brink of an Aston Villa exit, with Tottenham the chief suitors. But Villa’s new owners are rumoured to be close to rebuffing the latest in a long line of attempts to prise the 22-year-old away from Birmingham.

    Grealish has been pursued by Tottenham all summer.

    Grealish has been pursued by Tottenham all summer.

    ANTE REBIC

    Frankfurt midfielder Rebic lit up the World Cup as Croatia stormed to the final, leaving the 24-year-old’s services in high demand across Europe. Manchester United are rumoured to top that list of suitors, and still have time to conclude a deal to bring him to Old Trafford.

    The Croatian could still be on the way to the Premier League.

    The Croatian could still be on the way to the Premier League.

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