sport news transfer targets: Adrien Rabiot, Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de ... trends now

sport news transfer targets: Adrien Rabiot, Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de ... trends now
sport news Manchester United transfer targets: Adrien Rabiot, Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de ... trends now

sport news Manchester United transfer targets: Adrien Rabiot, Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de ... trends now

There's nothing like a dreadful opening day performance to spark a trolley dash.

Manchester United's risible 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday at least served to sharpen the minds of those working behind the scenes to deliver Erik ten Hag some new signings.

Within 48 hours, United had started - and swiftly abandoned - a pursuit of the Austria and Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic and moved to the brink of signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot for £15million.

Erik ten Hag can't hide his frustration as Manchester United lost their opener to Brighton

Erik ten Hag can't hide his frustration as Manchester United lost their opener to Brighton

The performance on Sunday left more questions than answers for Ten Hag and his players

The performance on Sunday left more questions than answers for Ten Hag and his players

Rabiot eases United's shortage of midfielders a little but it looks increasingly likely they will miss out on Ten Hag's No 1 target Frenkie de Jong.

With Anthony Martial injured and Cristiano Ronaldo's Old Trafford future uncertain, the need for United to sign a new centre forward as quickly as possible was hammered home on Sunday as well.

In such times, barely a day goes by without United being linked to someone new. But what's the latest on each of the names they're currently being linked to and what are the chances of a move happening?

ADRIEN RABIOT

One transfer that does appear to be happening and potentially ahead of this Saturday's visit to Brentford, which is already taking on the appearance of a must-win.

United's football director John Murtough was ironing out personal terms with Rabiot's agent - and mother - Veronique on Tuesday night as the £15million deal inched closer to completion.

The France international is asking for around £8m a year and Juventus are pretty keen to offload him despite there being one year remaining on his contract.

Manchester United have agreed a £15m fee for Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot

Manchester United have agreed a £15m fee for Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot 

Rabiot is a talented midfield player but isn't the most popular at Juventus and he has a worrying track record of off-field indiscretions from his time with Paris Saint-Germain.

However, United urgently need more midfield options after starting the season with Fred and Scott McTominay still playing there following the summer exits of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

It speaks volumes, however, that United will continue their pursuit of Ten Hag's No 1 target, Frenkie de Jong, despite the signing of Rabiot. Clearly they don't believe he will completely cure their midfield ills.

Chances of the transfer happening: 9/10 

FRENKIE DE JONG

United are increasingly pessimistic about their chances of persuading De Jong to leave Barcelona for them before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Frenkie de Jong still needs convincing that a move to Man United is the right idea

Frenkie de Jong still needs convincing that a move to Man United is the right idea 

The prospect of a reunion with his former Ajax coach Ten Hag doesn't seem to appeal to the Holland international, who has dug in his heels and made clear he wants to play Champions League football.

That has allowed Chelsea to swoop for De Jong and certain reports in Spain are suggesting that a £68m deal with the Stamford Bridge club is moving nearer.

It would be a huge blow to United given how Ten Hag feels his countryman is integral to the way he wants his team to play. Even worse, he would be playing for a direct rival.

Though United reached an agreement with Barcelona over De Jong, and the Catalan club need him off their books, the player remains to be convinced it is the right move for his career.

Time is fast running out now and United getting their main man this summer hangs in the balance.

Chances of the transfer happening: 3/10 

CODY GAKPO

Turning attention to the vacancy in attack and Ten Hag's knowledge of Dutch football has reportedly led United interest in the PSV Eindhoven player Gakpo.

He is more of a left-sided attacker or winger so he's not precisely what United need, which is an out-and-out centre forward who can guarantee them 10-15 goals and isn't bothered about playing second fiddle to Ronaldo if he stays.

Gakpo, 23, returned 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season and has made a similarly bright start to the current campaign as PSV attempt to negotiate the Champions League qualifiers.

PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo has been linked with United but has suggested he'll stay put should his team qualify for the Champions League proper

PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo has been linked with United but has suggested he'll stay put should his team qualify for the Champions League proper

They will play Rangers in the play-off round and the latest is that Gakpo will snub United and stay in Eindhoven for the group stage if they make it through. After all, United can only offer the Europa League right now.

United's arrivals so far 

Lisandro Martinez (Ajax,

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