Football transfer rumours: Kobbie Mainoo to consider Manchester United exit?

Let’s start with a disclaimer: today’s Rumour Mill may contain some Manchester United. Because, as has been the case for at least 11 years now, everyone knows United are just two or three signings away from being a real force – promise! Except, if Big Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to sanction any more incomings this summer, they will be very late additions, as shipping players out of Old Trafford is an urgent priority.

Rasmus Højlund looks to be en route to Napoli where he will, no doubt, channel his inner Scott McTominay and emerge as Ballon d’Or-contending world-beater. RB Leipzig, Atalanta and Milan are also lurking with intent around the Dane, but Naples on a loan-with-option-to-buy style deal is the likeliest destination. We are all told Alejandro Garnacho will join Chelsea but time is running out for him to actually join Chelsea. Antony has long been expected to return to Real Betis, but apparently Bayern Munich are mulling over a shock swoop for the Brazilian. And Kobbie Mainoo is the latest of United’s hitherto hyped youngsters to be linked with the exit, with some reports claiming at least 10 clubs have been alerted to the midfielder’s situation. Mainoo has played zero minutes so far this season and is considering his next move.

Away from Old Trafford, Newcastle’s pursuits of Yoane Wissa and Jørgen Strand Larsen continue apace, a pace possibly hastened by Anthony Gordon’s red card against Liverpool and forthcoming suspension. There’s another striker who may leave St James’ Park for the Reds before the window SLAMS shut on 1 September, but his name escapes us.

Chelsea are finally shedding themselves of some unwanted talent. Unlike Jadon Sancho, Tyrique George doesn’t consider a switch to Roma beneath him; Axel Disasi might fancy Bournemouth but whether anyone fancies Raheem Sterling or Ben Chilwell remains to be seen. The Blues are waiting to see if RB Leipzig want Christopher Nkunku back and, if they do, Xavi Simons will move in the opposite direction.

Speaking of Leipzig, they could come in for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott in the next couple of days. Kostas Tsimikas is another heading for the Anfield exit door with Roma – perennially and mercifully picking up the Premier League’s old bits and pieces – set to land the left-back on loan.

Wrexham are keen to further flex their muscles in the market and have reportedly opened talks with Rennes for the Wales international Jordan James. Southampton’s Will Smallbone, valued at £7.5m, is also on their shopping list.

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Finally, where next for Jamie Vardy? The Red Bull-swilling snipesman remains without a club after leaving his beloved Leicester and, despite having been touted for Celtic (it would make sense), he could now be set for the Serie A new boys Cremonese. The Vardy Party is going global! Maybe.

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