The latest on Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag transfer news as the INEOS review continues

United striker Joshua Zirkzee has a release clause in his contract that can be triggered this summer, according to a report from Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by The Faithful MUFC.

The Bologna striker has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks amid the club’s plan to bolster their attacking options this summer.

Zirkzee, who has also been linked with Arsenal, has a release clause in his contract which will be active between July 1 and July 15. It is reported to be worth €40 million.

OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo has praised Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir David Brailsford amid ongoing reports linking him with a move to United.

United are looking to bolster their centre-back options this summer and Todibo has been linked with a move to the M16 for several months. The Frenchman, of course, currently plays for Ineos-owned Nice, meaning he has plenty of knowledge of United co-owner Ratcliffe and Ineos sporting director Brailsford.

Giving an insight into what they’re like in the world of football, he told the Mail:

“They bring a winning mentality. They changed a lot of things. They give us a comfort, so there’s a mindset around the team that allows the team to succeed. They put a lot of emphasis on being around the players, to give opportunity to perform at your best Sir Jim he talks and jokes with the players Cycling means he knows a lot about sports performance People say you can’t transfer cycling to football but it’s the same if you have 11 players who only think to their performance and how everything around them can improve you have 11 players performing at 100% of their ability, that will give you a better chance of winning trophies.”

Click here to read the full story.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, United are ‘weighing up’ a bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

United have earmarked the Everton centre-back as one of their top transfer targets ahead of this summer’s window and have been monitoring him for some time. United are now reported to be “weighing up” an opening bid “in the region of £55-60m”.

He has excelled for Everton this season, playing a key role in their successful fight against relegation. He has also been linked with other big-name clubs including Manchester City and Real Madrid.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, United have “declared their interest” in RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Olmo, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish club Barcelona before the transfer window opens on June 14. He has scored eight goals in 25 games this season and reportedly has a £51million release clause in his contract, which is active until mid-July.

Along with United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are said to be “keeping tabs on him”.

Former United defender and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to decide whether or not Erik ten Hag is the right manager for the next few years, rather than the final year of his contract.

Pique told talkSPORT that INEOS should look for the long-term with Ten Hag when deciding whether to stay or leave.”

“I think the United board really need to understand what they want for the club in the next few years and whether or not they believe in Ten Hag. They have to make the decision. Well, it’s hard to say really (if he should leave or no) because it is true that they won the cup At the same time, it is also true that they are not fighting for the Premier League which I think at some point, must be one of Manchester United’s goals.

Wayne Rooney has backed Kobbie Mainoo to play in midfield ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold at this summer’s European Championship.

Speaking on The Overlap, presented by Sky Bet, Rooney said:

“I’ve seen Trent play there a few times in midfield and I think you lose a lot of his qualities. I think his delivery is incredible. Of course he picks passes from the middle but I think he has to fight. I know Kyle is best right back in the world right now but I think midfield is such an important position I’d play Mainoo ahead of Trent 100 percent he’s not good there The other week Some of his passes that his hits are incredible and probably only Becks hits them like him. But to play in the middle, you need that discipline defensively. I think he’s going to learn a little bit.”

Argentina Under-23 coach Javier Mascherano has reportedly asked whether United striker Alejandro Garnacho can make his squad for this summer’s Olympics in Paris.

The South American side are one of 16 teams competing in this summer’s games and, according to TNT Sports Argentina, want 19-year-old Garnacho to join them. However, it is claimed that Mascherano is still waiting to find out if Garnacho will be available for selection.

Argentina faces matches against Morocco and Ukraine between July 24 and July 30. Meanwhile, United’s pre-season campaign begins against Rosenborg on July 15.

Erik ten Hag’s future is still up in the air, but for how long?

That satisfying FA Cup win last weekend has undoubtedly created more questions than answers when it comes to the Dutchman’s future, while injuries have played a big part in United’s miserable season. But it is undeniable that INEOS has been exploring alternatives to Ten Hag, and the quality of potential successors could be a factor in the future decision.

There is a suggestion that the final decision could be communicated on a quiet day this week, while it could even extend into next week, as Samuel Luckhurst discusses.

Read the full story here.

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