Manchester United and Manchester City Eye Sporting's Francisco Trincao in Summer Transfer Window
Image credits: Daily Express
Manchester United and Manchester City are both keeping a close eye on Portugal winger Francisco Trincao, although Sporting hopes to agree on a new contract with the 25-year-old. Trincao, who is left-footed and mainly likes to play on the right flank, has notched nine goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances so far this term. The wide man is one of Sporting's most creative players, and his classy performances have caught United's attention. As Trincao can play as either a right winger or central attacking midfielder, he has the versatility needed to shine under Ruben Amorim at United.
United will have to fend off rivals Manchester City in order to sign Trincao. That is because Hugo Viana, who will become City's new sporting director this summer, wants the 25-year-old to follow him to the Etihad. Trincao will therefore need to decide which of his former Sporting chiefs he wants to reunite with later this year. Sporting recently made contact with Trincao to discuss a potential new contract. But this could simply be to maintain his transfer value, with major clubs vying to snap him up this summer. Other players that United are interested in include Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
Liverpool are ahead of Manchester United in the race for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, according to the Daily Star. The Reds reportedly see the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, though manager Arne Slot is said to be keen on Simons even if Egypt international Salah signs a new contract. Manchester City have also made an enquiry for Simons, who could be signed for an offer in the region of €80 million. Everton wants to sign Brazilian winger Luis Henrique from Marseille this summer but will face competition from Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Newcastle will accept a bid of £10-15m for their England goalkeeper Nick Pope, and are interested in replacing him with Burnley's 22-year-old English keeper James Trafford.
Other transfer news includes Tottenham joining Brighton among the many clubs interested in signing Romania right-back Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano. Spurs are set to pass on their £8.5m option to buy Germany forward Timo Werner this summer after the 28-year-old's loan move from RB Leipzig. Barcelona are looking to extend the contract of Brazil winger Raphinha, 28. Chelsea are still attempting to secure the signature of Gremio's 16-year-old Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Mec. The list of players that are being considered for transfers includes:
- Francisco Trincao - Sporting CP winger
- Martin Zubimendi - Real Sociedad midfielder
- Victor Osimhen - Napoli striker
- Xavi Simons - RB Leipzig attacking midfielder
- Luis Henrique - Marseille winger
- Nick Pope - Newcastle goalkeeper
- Andrei Ratiu - Rayo Vallecano right-back
- Timo Werner - RB Leipzig forward
- Raphinha - Barcelona winger
- Gabriel Mec - Gremio midfielder
The transfer window will also see the movement of other top players, with Arsenal considering a move for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui, and Juventus looking to extend the contract of Brazil winger Raphinha. The list of teams interested in signing new players is long, and includes:
- Manchester United
- Manchester City
- Liverpool
- Everton
- Tottenham
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Arsenal
- Juventus
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