Man Utd Transfer News LIVE updates: Zlatan Ibrahimovic reaction, Romelu Lukaku fear

MANCHESTER UNITED are still in the market for more signings and Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest transfer news and gossip from Old Trafford.

David De Gea makes save of the night against Luis Suarez

MANCHESTER UNITED LIVE TRANSFER UPDATES: All the latest on David De Gea, Antoine Griezman, Ivan Perisic and more...

Friday August 25

Lukaku bargain

04:00: Manchester United were smart to sign Romelu Lukaku early in the transfer window as prices for the top players continue to rise heading towards deadline day, says Shay Given.

Manchester United spent £75million on Everton striker Lukaku, who had refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park.

Real Madrid’s unwanted striker Alvaro Morata cost Chelsea £70m, while Liverpool have refused a £118m bid from Barca for Philippe Coutinho.

And former Ireland goalkeeper Given believes United did well to sign Lukaku before the Neymar and Coutinho transfer sagas inflated the price of top strikers.

“It’s difficult to say he’s a £75m bargain but look at the stats,” Given said on Sky Sports.

“Look at Coutinho, he’s now at £130m. Lukaku is an out-and-out goalscorer, a centre-forward. He’s perfect for Manchester United.

Lukaku fear

01:30: Meanwhile, Paul Merson is worried Romelu Lukaku will go ‘into his shell’ when Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to the Manchester United first-team.

Ibrahimovic rejoined Manchester United yesterday, putting pen to paper on a one-year and taking a £200,000 pay cut in the process.

And Merson is worried about the effect it could have on Lukaku.

“Lukaku is top man now, you can see it on the pitch. That's going to change!,” Merson said on Sky Sports. 

“He's got a big presence, Ibrahimovic, and he hasn't gone to United to sit on the bench.

"If Lukaku goes a couple games without scoring, the fans will be cheering Zlatan's name, and Lukaku could go into his shell, and we saw that last season in big football matches for Everton, he went into his shell.”

Thursday August 24

Mata hails Zlatan return

23:45: Juan Mata believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return will be a huge boost in Manchester United’s bid for the Premier League title.

Mata told Football Focus: “Ibrahimovic’s return is good news for United? [It is] good news for me as well as we see speaking [during this interview] we got told. Great.

“Everyone [who] knows Zlatan knows what he can give us, his personality on and off the pitch and his goals.

“He can be a big boost for us after the first part of the season.

“Obviously when he’s in the box he scores with his head and both legs. You know, he is a great addition.

“Obviously first is that he can recover 100 per cent and quick.

“And second I think he will be very important for us in our objective to try and fight for the title so it’s a happy day today.”

Henry on Ibra

22:15: Thierry Henry isn’t surprised to see Ibrahimovic pitch up at Old Trafford again.

He told Sky Sports: “I'm not surprised, because if I was there [at Man Utd] I would want to keep a guy like Zlatan in and around the dressing room.

“Having him around (Romelu) Lukaku, having him around Marcus Rashford [is beneficial]. Rashford was talking about it last year, he knows how to get that dressing room together.”

Kilbane on Ibra

21:25: Kevin Kilbane reckons Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be a good supersub for Jose Mourinho.

“He’ll have to get fit first but when he does, Ibrahimovic gives United a great option as a substitute,” Kilbane told BoyleSports.

“If they’re still in the Champions League at the turn of the year which I fully expect, then he’ll be a great addition to the squad.”

Champions League fate

19:50: Away from transfer news, Manchester United discovered their Champions League fate this evening.

They will be in Group A along with Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow.

Levy blocked Dier move

18:05: Eric Dier’s move to Manchester United was blocked by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, according to former Spurs midfielder Darren Anderton.

Anderton told sportingbet.com: “Eric could have quite easily gone to United this year, but Levy made sure that didn’t happen, but he'll want to play.

“He won't kick up a fuss, but if he can go and be a regular in another team you couldn't blame him for leaving – no matter how much he loves the club.”

Perisic hope remains

16:23: Manchester United are still in for Ivan Perisic even though a deal looks dead and buried.

United want a winger and Perisic has been targeted.

Inter Milan want £48m for their star man and have offered him an improved contract.

But Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol says there is still hope a move can get done. 

“United want him, he wants to come to United and Inter want him to sign a new deal,” he said.

Man Utd re-sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic

14:20: Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has re-signed for Manchester United on a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old scored 28 goals for United during an impressive debut season before it was prematurely cut short by a knee ligament injury.

United did not offer Ibrahimovic a second year on his contract at the end of last season, but the club confirmed today that they have agreed a new deal with him.

The Sweden legend tweeted a picture of himself arm-wrestling with the devil, alongside the caption: “I UNITED it @ManUtd.”

His post has already been retweeted 14k times with a further 18k likes.

Man Utd transfer news Jose Mourinho GETTY

Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho is still looking for more signings

Big spenders

14:00: Premier League spending in the current transfer window is already at an all-time record level, with a week remaining.

Figures released by Deloitte's Sports Business Group showed top-flight clubs had spent £1.17billion on players this summer by 9am on Thursday, breaking the record of £1.165m set last year.

That was already a 34 per cent rise on the previous record for a single window - and with time remaining this time around the numbers could rise to even more breathtaking levels.

United are obsessed…

13:05: Manchester United fans are obsessing over whether Philippe Coutinho will leave Liverpool to join Barcelona.

A forum thread on popular United fans’ site redcafe.net has attracted nearly 3,000 posts and more than 270,000 views.

And it’s all over whether Coutinho will make a summer transfer to the Catalan giants.

Despite United doing their own impressive business - Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic appear on course to be two of the signings of the window - it appears the subject of Coutinho is too good to miss out on.

One fan taunted Liverpool and wrote: “What's hilarious about all this is he isn't all that. They'd be much better off taking the money and sorting their defence and getting some depth. They're going to have a s**te season.”

Another agreed and said: “Yes, I think they will come to regret it a lot if they don't take the offer and Barca spends that money on someone else.”

Pogba: We don’t fear anyone

12:30: Manchester United don’t need to fear any of their Premier League rivals, according to Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman, who’s netted twice in the opening two weeks, believes Jose Mourinho’s side are capable of lifting the Premier League crown.

"I'm pleased and happy that we have started really well, but it is not finished yet," Pogba told ESPN FC.

"The biggest challengers? We are our own rivals and we think about ourselves first. But we don't have to be scared of anyone in the league because we know we are a strong team as well. We know we can do great this season.”

Champions League: Who could Manchester United draw?

11:25: Manchester United will discover their Champions League opponents in Monaco today. Below is a list of their possible opponents.

Seeds: Real Madrid, Bayern, Juventus, Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk, Monaco, Spartak Moscow

Pot three: Napoli, Basel, Olympiakos, Anderlecht, Roma, Besiktas

Pot four: Celtic, CSKA Moscow, Sporting, APOEL, Feyenoord, Maribor, Qarabag, RB Leipzig

Perisic new deal

10:30: Ivan Perisic is close to signing a new contract with Inter Milan.

Italian website TMW claims the midfielder is on the verge of committing his future to the Serie A outfit, and snubbing Manchester United’s advances.

The Red Devils have been pursuing the Croatia international for the majority of the transfer window.

But the latest reports claim his agent Fali Ramadani has been in Milan to finalise the deal.

Manchester United Transfer News: Ivan Perisic is close to signing a new deal with Inter MilanGETTY

Manchester United Transfer News: Ivan Perisic is close to signing a new deal with Inter Milan

Zlatan eyes Spurs return

09:30: Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to make his comeback against Tottenham in October, reports claim.

A new contract is expected to be announced this week with Ibrahimovic then likely to play second fiddle to the club’s new signing, Romelu Lukaku.

And The Sun say Ibrahimovic has earmarked the club’s game with Tottenham as his comeback date.

He has supposedly told friends that he is fully recovered from his injury and will undertake ball training in the next few weeks.

Januzaj takes swipe at LVG

08:30: Adnan Januzaj has taken a swipe at former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

Januzaj, 22, struggled to make an impression at Old Trafford during the Dutchman’s tenure before being sold to Real Sociedad earlier this summer.

Asked about Van Gaal, he told AS: "I do not want to talk about him, because everyone knows there were difficulties with him.

“We did not have the best relationship, everyone knows. It was not easy, it's very frustrating and difficult when you find something like that."

Rose talks

07.10: Danny Rose is set to hold talks with Tottenham with Manchester United and Chelsea interested in a deal for the left-back.

Rose gave an explosive interview earlier this month when he complained about Tottenham’s salary structure and transfer policy.

And he will sit down with the club to discuss his future.

He was forced to apologise for the timing of his comments and was fined by the club, and Chelsea and United are waiting to see the outcome of the talks before making a move.

Ryan GiggsGETTY

Ryan Giggs is pleased with Manchester United's squad

Eric Dier revelation

05:30: Darren Anderton has revealed who stopped Eric Dier joining Manchester United this summer. 

Dier was one of Jose Mourinho's top targets to beef up his midfield ahead of United's return to the Champions League.

But he couldn't get a deal over the line and Mourinho instead realigned his sights and splashed out £40million on Nemanja Matic.

Anderton told sportingbet.com: "Eric could have quite easily gone to United this year, but Levy made sure that didn’t happen, but he'll want to play. 

"He won't kick up a fuss, but if he can go and be a regular in another team you couldn't blame him for leaving – no matter how much he loves the club.

Carabao Cup draw

04:30: Away from transfer news, Manchester United have been handed a home tie against Burton.

Carabao Cup draw

23:45: Away from transfer news, the Carabao Cup third-round draw takes place tomorrow morning and Express Sport is on hand to bring you up to date on all you need to know.

Carabao Cup Draw: How can I watch it? When is the draw? Why is it in China?

Giggs talks United squad

22:35: Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United have plenty of squad depth and insists the Red Devils can’t just rely on Romelu Lukaku.

“They look powerful with Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku, but what is pleasing to see is the creative players doing well as well. 

“Henrikh Mkhitaryan already has four assists and that will do him the world of good, so hopefully he can get back to his Dortmund form.

“There’s a lot of players contributing to goals which is crucial to winning the league. Juan Mata scores year-in-year-out, Anthony Martial chipping in and when Marcus Rashford and Mkhitaryan join the party you’ve got options. You can’t just rely on Lukaku.”

Young has more to offer

20:46: Ashley Young has promised to prove that he still has a major role to play at Manchester United as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

“As a player, you want to be back on the pitch and it was good to get minutes under my belt,” he said.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fit. I could’ve played longer, but I was brought off.

“I’ve worked hard since I had the operation done 13 weeks ago, so I’m happy to be back out there.

“For us, it was a bit like a pre-season game. We’re obviously trying to get the win, but we wanted to get the fitness levels up too, and we’ll just take it from here.”

“I’ve been training with the team for 10 days or so now, so, whenever the manager calls on me, I’m ready to go.”

De Gea to Real Madrid

20:15: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has reached an unwritten agreement with Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez.

Spanish publication Diario Gol insist it is just a matter of time before the 26-year-old fulfils his dream.

They say Perez had been keen to sign the Spain international this summer but Zidane convinced him the club did not need him with the Frenchman putting his faith in Keylor Navas.

De Gea would also not consider joining the European champions if he his not guaranteed to be Zidane’s first choice.

But Diario Gol claim Navas will leave at the end of the season and De Gea take up the reins between the sticks.

Berba heads to India

17:56: Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has signed a one-year deal with Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.

Berbatov, 36, will join ex-United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen in India after his appointment as Blasters boss.

The club tweeted confirmation of Berbatov's signing by saying: "Golden touch, turns like a dream & a deadly finish. The Bulgarian Hitman is set to take ISL by storm."

The former Bulgaria international adds to the growing Manchester United connection at Kerala with former Red Devils defender Wes Brown and ex-goalkeeper Paul Rachubka at the Kochi-based franchise.

De Gea moves into hotel

15:09: David De Gea has moved into a Manchester city centre hotel.

Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea has moved into a hotel regularly visited by Manchester City stars.

Jose Mourinho's men favour the Lowry Hotel before games, but De Gea has moved from his Cheshire mansion into The Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel.

United's cross-town rivals use the Radisson as their base to set up new signings, with Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan all staying there in recent times.

Griezmann deal next summer

14.00: Antoine Griezmann will consider moving to Manchester United next summer, according to Guillem Balague.

Griezmann opted to stay at Atletico this summer after their transfer ban meant they wouldn’t be able to sign a replacement. 

But Balague thinks a deal could happen next summer.

“He is with a team which has played in Champions League finals and also won the league recently - more recently than Manchester United - so he is already at one of the top teams in Europe.

"He is playing with the fans and he will continue to do that with teasing messages but it is quite clear he will consider a move to Old Trafford next summer. This summer it's impossible but next summer, who knows?"

Manchester United News: Paul Pogba says his team don't fear anyoneREUTERS

Manchester United News: Paul Pogba says his team don't fear anyone

Di Maria to Barcelona

13.55: Former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria could be set for a move to Barcelona.

Following the departure of Neymar to PSG earlier this month, Barcelona have been actively targeting replacements for the Brazilian.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho was among their top targets but not even a bid of £118m has been enough to convince the Reds to sell.

Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele has also been linked with a move to the Nou Camp however the Bundesliga side have blocked the French winger from leaving and suspended him after he failed to turn up to training.

But it now appears Barcelona have landed Di Maria after striking an agreement with PSG.

Ibrahimovic's new role

13.15: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will reportedly accept playing second fiddle to Romelu Lukaku on his return to Manchester United.

The Daily Mail claim the Swede is happy to be behind the Belgium international, despite being United’s star man last term.

Lukaku has enjoyed a good start to life at Old Trafford, scoring four goals from his first three games.

And he will be aiming to add to histally when the Red Devils go up against Leicester on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm).

Mourinho wants Sessegnon 

11.30: Manchester United are reportedly keen on Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon - but expect him to join Tottenham.

ESPN claim Jose Mourinho is a big admirer of the teenager and is willing to bid £25m for him.

However, Sessegnon is said to be keen to remain in London and Spurs are the favourites for his signature.

United have enjoyed a healthy transfer relationship with Fulham over the years, doing business over Louis Saha, Edwin van der Sar and Dimitar Berbatov.

Lemar to Man Utd or Arsenal?

09:00: Manchester United and Arsenal have forced Monaco to accept Thomas Lemar could be on the move.

The Sun say the Premier League giants’ interest means Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has accpeted he is going to lose the winger.

Barcelona have also been tipped to sign the 21-year-old.

The news comes amid talk Monaco could lose Kylian Mbappe AND Fabinho to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Ezequiel GarayGETTY

Ezequiel Garay is reportedly a target for Manchester United

Perisic deal dead and buried

07.00: Ivan Perisic is not joining Manchester United this summer, accoridng to Italian football expert David Amoyal.

Reports this week have suggested the 28-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a new contract with Inter Milan.

And Amoyal has insisted the Croatia international will no longer be making the move to Old Trafford.

When asked about who United would be signing on Twitter, he responded: "Don't know but won't be Perisic."

Ezequiel Garay scouted

06.00: Manchester United scouts went to Valencia on Friday to watch Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay, according to reports in Spain.

Super Deporte claim the Red Devils had chief scout Javier Ribalta in attendance for Valencia’s 1-0 La Liga win over Las Palmas on Friday.

And Garay was reportedly of most interest to Jose Mourinho's side.

However, United will face stiff competition for his signature with Juventus, Benfica and Tottenham also having scouts at the match.

Ezequiel Garay - 5 things you need to know

Rose to Old Trafford?

05.00: Danny Rose will reportedly hold talks with Tottenham this week about his future.

The Independent says Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will make his position clear when he meets with Rose’s agent today.

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with the England full-back.

It is claimed Spurs would want at least £54million for Rose - the same fee they received from Manchester City for Kyle Walker.

Andres Gomes alert

04.00: Manchester United are reportedly keeping an eye on Andre Gomes’ situation at Barcelona.

The midfielder has been on Jose Mourinho’s radar.

And according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Gomes wants out at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for Nice star Jean Michael Seri.

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