Manchester United XI for next season: David de Gea out, Michael Keane back in, plus Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak and Tiemoue Bakayoko?

Ed Woodward has long been in possession of Jose Mourinho's summer hit list as Manchester United gear up to strengthen significantly ahead of next season.

Mourinho landed four targets in his first weeks in charge - Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly - and is set to add a similar number this time.

United need to spend wisely if they are to mount a challenge to Chelsea and the rest for the Premier League title, with key areas in need of an upgrade.

Michael Keane is ready to return to Manchester United
He was sold to Burnley two years ago

Michael Keane is ready to return to Manchester United, two years after being sold to Burnley

Jose Mourinho has already identified the names he wants in his United team next season

Jose Mourinho has already identified the names he wants in his United team next season

'The only thing I can tell you is the job of my board is going to be difficult but at the same time it is easy,' Mourinho said.


'It is easy because I give them names. I am not giving them qualities or positions. I give them names - the difficulty is to get the names. So it is easy in one way but very difficult in another.'

Mourinho quickly identified the heart of his defence as one position where United must buy, with Sportsmail revealing on Tuesday that a £25million move for Michael Keane is set to happen.

Keane, who left Old Trafford for just £2m under Louis van Gaal, has impressed for Burnley as they secured a top-flight stay. The 24-year-old has earned plaudits this season and would provide an added steel to a back four which has on occasion looked vulnerable.

There is intrigue around David de Gea's future in Manchester, with Real Madrid keen after almost landing the Spanish goalkeeper on deadline day two years ago.

United face losing David de Gea to Real Madrid
Jan Oblak could join from Atletico

United face losing David de Gea to Real Madrid, but Jan Oblak (right) could join from Atletico

Jan Oblak, at Real's rivals Atletico, has a pair of the safest hands in Europe, but his release clause stands at around £85m.

Oblak's agent was reported to have jetted in for talks with United towards the end of last month, while any transfer involving De Gea is not without its caveats.

Mourinho appointed De Gea's old Atletico Madrid mentor, Emilio Alvarez, as goalkeeping coach last summer, with the shot-stopper more content than he was with Van Gaal in charge.

He is, however, disappointed at the decision to leave him out of Europa League games and, should United lose the final against Ajax, missing out on Champions League football again could prove decisive.

Tiemoue Bakayoko (left) is wanted by both United and Chelsea after his displays for Monaco

Tiemoue Bakayoko (left) is wanted by both United and Chelsea after his displays for Monaco

For their part, United would want a world-record fee for a goalkeeper and then some from Real, knowing De Gea has two years (plus an option) to run on his deal.

The pursuit of Antoine Griezmann has been an open secret at United for around 18 months now and the forward - also at Atletico - remains their top target as Mourinho searches for fresh firepower.

Premier League top scorer Romelu Lukaku, a client of Mino Raiola, has been talked about with Woodward, who said on Tuesday that United have made 'tremendous' strides with Mourinho this season.

Securing both Griezmann and Lukaku would amount to a staggering summer of business, but it appears likelier that one or the other will make the switch.

Atletico's Antoine Griezmann is United's intended marquee signing of the summer
United prefer Griezmann to Romelu Lukaku of Everton

Antoine Griezmann is the intended marquee signing of the summer, ahead of Romelu Lukaku

Real's James Rodriguez is under serious consideration by United - who have been offered the chance to sign him. But it is thought that United will pass up that opportunity in favour of looking at others in attacking areas.

One position where Mourinho really needs an addition is the centre of midfield, with Tiemoue Bakayoko at Monaco a player the Portuguese is fond of.

Manchester United's potential starting XI next season, if their transfer targets are met

Chelsea, however, are said to be favourites, with Rio Ferdinand also questioning whether Bakayoko 'is ready' to join a top English side after a tricky time against Juventus in the Champions League semi-final.

PSG's Blaise Matuidi is one who was linked last summer, while Eric Dier at Tottenham is on their radar. Daniel Levy's hard bargaining techniques would spell the end of that interest, though, with Kyle Walker likelier to depart Spurs.

Full backs are required with Luke Shaw's future uncertain. Celtic's Kieran Tierney has been watched, while Corinthians' Guilherme Arana - named the best left back in Brazil last week - is a name cropping up now and again as he looks ready for a move to Europe.

It could be that Mourinho looks to shift Marcos Rojo out there permanently next season, with his plans to be crystallised in the coming weeks.


 

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