This month Renato Sanches apologised for posting a video on social media of himself counting a huge wad of cash. It had been “tasteless” and “thoughtless”, admitted the 19-year-old midfielder after many people offered similar criticisms. The Mill isn’t going to hold that post against Sanches because the Mill did far more tasteless and thoughtless things when it was 19 and was just lucky that no one was interested enough to be watching. So the Mill is happy to give young Sanches a chance to learn and move on. And the Portuguese midfielder, rarely used by Bayern Munich, could soon have the perfect opportunity to show just how tasteful and considerable he has become, because Manchester United are thinking of lavishing yet more riches on him.
With Spurs still refusing to release Eric Dier, United are plotting a move for Sanches, who Bayern have made available for £40m. Milan are also interested but if the transfer to Old Trafford goes through, all Sanches has to do to show how much he has grown up is post a video of himself doing something that will amuse people rather than antagonise them. Maybe do a dance with Jesse Lingard or give José Mourinho a clip round the ear.
Rafa Benítez reckons he can get the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph to join Newcastle at a knockdown price now that West Ham have signed Joe Hart. Meanwhile, having lost Marko Arnautovic to the Hammers, Stoke plan to resume chasing Yevhen Konoplyanka, whom they first began pursuing way back when Stephen Ireland was a player. An alternative target for Stoke is Ashley Young, but he may be needed at Old Trafford just in case Sanches requires any further lectures in the pitfalls of social media.
Watford fancy the Lyon winger Maxwel Cornet but, having already turned down a move to Spartak Moscow, the 20-year-old seems intent on staying in France for the time being.
Meanwhile in Spain, Barcelona are planning a gigantic bid for Kylian Mbappé, both to irritate Real Madrid and to replace Neymar, who could really be on his way to Paris Saint-Germain. Barça need to keep some lolly to pay for Marco Verratti too, and the midfielder is dead-set on swapping Paris for the Camp Nou, so much so that he has hired Mino Raiola has his agent.
Liverpool like the look of Werder Bremen’s Max Kruse, a striker who would give Jürgen Klopp an option that he does not currently have. One of these days Liverpool may also get round to completing a deal for a defender.
West Ham’s attempt to freshen up their squad will continue with a swoop for Jack Wilshere, for whom Arsenal are demanding £20m. Both clubs might need to have second thoughts there.