Manchester United target Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in bid to strengthen midfield

Manchester United have added Brighton pair Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister to their summer transfer shortlist as Erik ten Hag plans to add midfield depth. Elsewhere, the Red Devils have slapped a £50 million asking price on Scott McTominay, rumours continue regarding a Barcelona return for Lionel Messi and Jesse Marsch's expected appointment at Leicester City is close to collapse.

 

Manchester United to splash the cash on new midfielder

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is hoping to add a new central midfielder to his squad and has made that position, alongside a new striker, the priority for the Red Devils this summer. The Dutchman failed in a bid to recruit Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong last year, but will target Brighton duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in a bid to strengthen his squad at the end of the season.

 

The Telegraph report: "Erik ten Hag will target a central midfielder for Manchester United’s squad this summer, with Brighton pair Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister among the shortlist of players considered as potential signings.

"Premier League clubs will explore whether there are agreements to allow them to leave, with both players likely to be valued in excess of £70million.

 

"Mac Allister, 24, won the World Cup with Argentina after agreeing fresh terms and has attracted interest from other clubs. Manchester City are looking at that area as Ilkay Gundogan is coming to the end of his contract with no agreement over a new deal yet."

 

Manchester United slap £50m price tag on McTominay

Manchester United are reluctant to part with Scott McTominay this summer, despite the fact that they may be forced to sell players in order to raise transfer funds. The 26-year-old is wanted by Premier League top-four rivals Newcastle United, but the Old Trafford outfit have slapped a £50 million price tag on McTominay in a bid to deter interest from the Magpies.

 

The Sun state: "United bosses have made it clear to both the player and would-be suitors that he is still a valuable member of the squad and they will not be pressured into a sale.

 

"McTominay, 26, is under contract for another two years, with the club also having the option to extend by 12 months beyond that.

 

"The Magpies began chasing a deal for the star in January, but a transfer failed to materialise. Despite the setback, Eddie Howe is still eager to tempt him to St James' Park this summer."

 

Rumours of Messi's Barca return continue

There are still ongoing question marks regarding Lionel Messi's future at Paris Saint-Germain. The World Cup winner's current contract is set to expire this summer and negotiations surrounding an extension seem to have stalled since the tournament in Qatar last December. Barcelona are hoping they can convince Messi to leave Paris and complete a shock return to the Camp Nou. 

 

The Mail report: "Messi is hesitant about signing a new deal with PSG amid suggestions of a return to Barcelona.

 

"Barcelona have publicly admitted their desire to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp, with vice president Rafael Yuste saying that the club are eager for him to return. 

 

"There has been contact between Laporta and Messi's father, Jorge, but the player would like to hear Barcelona's proposal directly. However, Barcelona's continued financial difficulties could prove to be a hindrance in terms of getting a deal done."

 

Marsch to Leicester breaks down

Leicester City's move for Jesse Marsch seems to have broken down at a late stage on Sunday night. The American coach, who was fired by Leeds United in February, was close to taking the job at the King Power Stadium before negotiations collapsed. Leicester are set to revive their hunt for a new manager with just eight matches remaining in the Premier League campaign.

 

The Guardian reveal: "The club had been confident of appointing the former Leeds head coach after talks reached an advanced stage but on Sunday evening agreement had not been secured on the final points of the negotiations.

 

"As things stand, Marsch has not been convinced to take the job at the Premier League’s second-bottom club.

 

"Among other coaches who have been under consideration by Leicester are Ralph Hassenhüttl, who was sacked by Southampton this season, Óscar García, who has had spells with Brighton and Watford and whose most recent job was with Reims, and the former Newcastle manager Rafa Benítez."