The latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours, with updates on Carlos Baleba, Eli Junior Kroupi, Harry Kane, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Rafael LeaoManchester United's focus is turning to the summer transfer window after confirming Champions League qualification for next season with three Premier League matches remaining of this campaign.An important offseason now awaits at Old Trafford, with a central midfield overhaul in the offing that could see as many as three new options arrive, including replacements for Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Elliot Anderson is said to be United's top target, but Manchester City are seemingly favourites to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder.Several alternatives include Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ayoub Bouaddi, Carlos Baleba, Ederson, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Shea Charles and Tyler Adams. Harry Kane is also a name who continues to come up, while Arsenal are one club credited with an interest in his England teammate Marcus Rashford, whose future remains uncertain.Stay with us here on MEN Sport throughout for all of the latest United transfer news and rumours!Key EventsNapoli confirm Hojlund dealView PostUnited double down on Premier League transfer focus this summerUnited are due to continue with their strategy of targeting the Premier League this summer.Following the success of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, the club's recruitment team will once again prioritise domestically based players. Most notably, a move for Morgan Rogers is under consideration, along with multiple midfield reinforcements.United double down on transfer decision ahead of blockbuster summer'No doubts' about Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli permanent transferNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna is in no doubt that Rasmus Hojlund will stay at the club.Manna says:There are no doubts. Rasmus will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from Manchester United in case of Champions League access, but he is in our plans regardless of this condition.United 'enquiry' revealed for Lyon starletUnited have enquired about Afonso Moreira after showing interest and adding the Portugal under-21 international to their radar, according to A BOLA.Lyon are said to want at least £22million for the winger after a breakout debut season. They signed Moreira from Sporting for less than £2million just last summer.Yet another Bournemouth star on United's radar after dream debut seasonUnited have Adrien Truffert on their radar, according to TEAMtalk.The club are also credited with an interest in Alejandro Balde, David Raum and even Myles Lewis-Skelly as options at left-back. Truffert is far from the only Bournemouth player United are keen on, either, with the club said to be monitoring Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier and Tyler Adams, too.Casemiro rates chances of United summer stay after announcementCasemiro has told ESPN that there is "no chance" of him staying at United this summer.I don't think there's a chance, there's no chance ... I think it was four beautiful, wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful, not only to the club, but to the fans, but I think I have to leave in good terms, I have to go out on top.Casemiro breaks silence on United exit U-turn after Matheus Cunha asks him to stayArsenal 'monitoring' Marcus Rashford amid Bayern Munich interestArsenal are monitoring Marcus Rashford's situation at Barcelona ahead of this summer, according to the Mail.Bayern Munich are also said to be doing the same as his future at the Catalan club remains uncertain beyond the end of this season. However, there seems to be no shortage of suitors.Harry Kane interest 'continues' as Bayern Munich stance clearUnited continue to hold an interest in Harry Kane, according to Football Insider.A return to the Premier League from Bayern Munich, however, seems highly unlikely this summer, with the Bundesliga club one game away from qualifying for the Champions League final. Kane is said to be settled in Germany.United 'offer' Ederson contractManchester United have offered Atalanta star Ederson a contract, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, via the Fabrizio Romano YouTube channel.Atletico Madrid looked to be favourites for his signature with reports stating an agreement had already been reached on personal terms. However, Moretto has revealed United are in the race and have offered superior contract terms.The Italian journalist said, via GiveMeSport, and following a translation: "In recent weeks some English clubs have forcefully approached Ederson's entourage, offering much more than what Atletico are offering in terms of salary."I tell you that United today are the team that have informed themselves the most and are offering around €4.5m [net] per season."Lopez bid 'rejected'According to Fichajes, Barcelona have rejected a £103.6million bid from Manchester United for Spain midfielder Fermin Lopez.It is reported that Barcelona have no intention of selling Lopez, who United see as a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes, this summer.United left wing interestA left winger is high up on Manchester United's transfer list this summer, according to the Daily Mail, but the club are waiting to resolve Marcus Rashford's future first.Barcelona are still contemplating on a permanent move for Rashford with the La Liga champions keen to re-negotiate his £26million buy clause or take him on loan for another season.And United want to get that situation sorted before stepping up interest in a potential deal for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who is poised to depart San Siro this summer.Napoli want ZirkzeeNapoli are keen on signing Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to Tuttomercato. Zirkzee, who was first linked with a move to Naples following an impressive 2023/24 season at Bologna, has struggled to make a mark at Manchester United.Indeed, the Dutchman is poised to depart United in the summer transfer window and the Reds are prepared to let him leave on loan with Napoli among the interested parties.Kroupi Jr stanceManchester United target Eli Junior Kroupi is NOT for sale this summer, according to i. Bournemouth's talented front man has shone in the Premier League since his move from Lorient last summer, scoring 12 goals in 30 appearances.United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are among those interested in the 19-year-old talent, but Bournemouth insist he is going nowhere and won't be sold in the summer transfer window.Amass latestHarry Amass is expected to be needed at Manchester United for at least until the end of pre-season due to a number of players going to this summer's World Cup, according to TransferFeed.Amass starred on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the first half of the season and secured a move to Norwich City in January. But the 19-year-old made just one appearance for the Canaries before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in training.Norwich and manager Philippe Clement are keen to re-sign Amass on loan next season, but he is expected to be needed for United at least until players return to action following the World Cup.Napoli confirm Hojlund dealNapoli have confirmed they will sign Manchester United reject Rasmus Hojlund on a permanent deal this summer. The Italian champions will trigger the £38million release clause in the striker's contract.It's understood the Danish international has already agreed a new and improved long-term deal with Napoli. Hojlund joined the club on a season-long loan deal last summer after struggling to make an impact at United.Baleba move expectedAccording to TeamTalk, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is expected to complete an £80million move to Manchester United this summer.Baleba was linked with a stunning switch to Old Trafford 12 months ago but he decided to remain at Brighton and has since impressed since regaining his place in the XI.United are poised to sign three new midfielders in the summer transfer window and Baleba is set to be the first. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is among the others being considered.Ouedraogo interestManchester United are interested in signing RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo and want to bring him in this summer, according to German outlet Fussball Daten.Alongside United, Ouedraogo is being pursued by Liverpool and Newcastle. The 19-year-old midfielder has made 18 appearances for Leipzig this season, scoring three times.Tenth United-linked midfielder emergesLille star Ayoub Bouaddi is the latest midfield transfer target to emerge as having admirers at Manchester United, according to Sky Sports.Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni, Matheus Fernandes, Tyler Adams, Alex Scott and Shea Charles are the others recently linked.United have allocated £150million of their summer transfer budget to sign three midfielders with replacements for Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte needed and then further depth also wanted.Neville issues brutal Mount verdictGary Neville has told Manchester United to cash in on Mason Mount and sign a replacement that is more versatile.Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said: “Look, if you could then maybe trade Mason Mount for someone else who maybe can play in and out and can be a bit more flexible across the midfield and forward line then I would say go for a fifth.“But if you can’t, I would say those four areas are the priority and they’ve got to be top-notch, those players.”Rashford sends Man United Champions League messageMarcus Rashford has issued a congratulatory message to Manchester United on X after the club qualified for next season's competition.The 3-2 win over Liverpool means that United cannot finish outside of the top-five and thus will be back in the Champions League after a two-year absence.Rashford has played in that competition this season while on loan at Barcelona and could yet play a part in United's return to being alongside Europe's elite with his club future uncertain.Mainoo sent brutal World Cup verdictPeter Schmeichel has said he hopes that Kobbie Mainoo does not go to the World Cup, citing a previous Manchester United example as his reason.When asked if he should go to the World Cup, Schmeichel replied on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast: "Hope not." He went on to explain his reasoning: "I was really cross with Luke Shaw and England for him going to the Euros."You don't play a single game and then you come back from the Euros having played half a semi-final and final and then you're not playing for six months."I don't want Man United players to be in that squad. I want them to have a break."Fernandes contract plan and United ambitionManchester United are hoping to remove any doubt over Bruno Fernandes' future by agreeing a new contract, according to TEAMtalk.Fernandes has been linked with an exit in recent seasons as United failed to consistently deliver trophies and Champions League football.With the club back in the latter, it has been stated that United want to keep Fernandes with the view he will be crucial to them winning the Premier League title in the next two years.United avoid Hojlund PSR lossManchester United are set to avoid a PSR loss on Rasmus Hojlund with Napoli on the verge of triggering the buy-option included in his loan.The Danish striker joined the Serie A side last summer on a temporary basis with €6million (£5.2m) as the loan fee. Securing qualification for next season's Champions League will see the €44million (£38m) buy-option activated.As such, United will avoid a loss on the forward under the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) when they bank €44m (£38m).United's Rashford deadlineThe Manchester Evening News' chief United writer Steven Railston has penned some new thoughts on Marcus Rashford's future following rumours of Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona.He wrote: "The Spanish press sharing images of Anthony Gordon's agents arriving in Barcelona confirms that the transfer silly season is almost here. Barcelona view Gordon as an alternative to Marcus Rashford and, in theory, holding preliminary talks with his representatives could make Manchester United sweat."Barcelona have the option to sign Rashford on a permanent transfer for £26million (€30m) after his season-long loan, but the initial noise from Spain was that the Catalan club would like to negotiate a lower fee."The latest rumour has been that Barcelona will decline their option to sign Rashford because of the impasse over the fee. United are not willing to concede ground, and have outlined a 'pay up, or don't sign him' stance."Click here to read moreUnited 'joined in transfer battle' by Premier League rivalsManchester United look to have been joined by Crystal Palace in the transfer race for AJ Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko.According to Africa Foot, via Sport Witness, the Eagles are plotting a move to sign him as their Jean-Phillipe Mateta replacement.It had been reported earlier this year that United held talks for Sinayoko and were even close to sealing a pre-contract agreement for him with his current deal expiring this summer. However, that report emerged when Ruben Amorim was in charge and he has since agreed an extension until 2027.He has scored nine Ligue 1 goals this season and managed three during Mali's run to the AFCON quarter-finals.Scholes disagrees with Schmeichel on United transfer claimPaul Scholes has disagreed with Peter Schmeichel on his claim that Manchester United should try to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka.Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, the Dane said: "I think we should go and sign Xhaka," to which Scholes promptly said: "Noooo Pete."I have [watched him], but you're probably in the same boat as Casemiro then, aren't you, really?"Schmeichel then elaborated on his verdict: "I make my case, we are going to build a team around Kobbie [Mainoo]. Casemiro is leaving. Bring in [Adam] Wharton and [Elliot] Anderson or whatever, who are still young."What we don't have really is proper leadership. When I look and see what Xhaka has done at Sunderland, he is the reason why they are absolutely amazing."His leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games, and he is a very good player. I know he can do it. If he does one or two years, we need leadership."I know [Sandro] Tonali is mentioned, but has he done enough at Newcastle to warrant that. I think Xhaka would bring a lot to the dressing room and have power around the person, which is rare. We're desperate for more leadership."Cunha 'agreement' truthManchester United were taken aback by a report that claimed the club had reached an agreement to rest Matheus Cunha for the remainder of the Premier League season with Brazil's national team.On Tuesday, a report from a respected Brazilian outlet claimed United had agreed to rest Cunha for the final three games of the campaign so he could fully recover from a hip problem to play for his nation in the World Cup.The Brazilian Football Confederation were said to have reached an agreement with United, but the Manchester Evening News understands there is no truth in the claim.The player also poured cold water over the claim, posting "what?" with a laughing face emoji on his Instagram story.Baleba transfer latestCarlos Baleba is expected to complete an £80million transfer to Manchester United this summer, according to TEAMtalk.Of the six players listed as potential Casemiro replacements in an above post, Baleba has been outlined as the most likely to complete an Old Trafford switch with £80m of £150m allocated to that deal.United tried to sign Baleba last summer but failed to do so. He has since endured a challenging season with the Seagulls where his minutes have been limited.Wilcox leading Hall transfer pursuitIt certainly seems as though signing a left-back in the summer transfer window is Manchester United's second priority.According to Spanish outlet AS, United and director of football Jason Wilcox are big admirers of Newcastle United's Lewis Hall.It has been specifically noted that Wilcox is a huge fan of his style of play.United "weighing up move" for Sporting CP left-backAlongside El Hadji Malick Diouf of West Ham United, Sporting CP's Maxi Araujo is a left-back also of interest to Manchester United, according to Caught Offside.Their report has claimed that those at Old Trafford are weighing up a move for the 26-year-old after his impressive displays in the Champions League against Arsenal.Araujo has a hefty £69million release clause in his Sporting contract, but a fee between £35m and £43m could be enough to sign him.Bruno Fernandes Galatasaray's "dream target"Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes remains the dream target for the No.10 position, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg.The Turkish giants were interested in signing Fernandes last summer and want to restart contact with his camp.However, they are of the belief that their chances of signing the Portugal international have decreased with United securing Champions League football for next season.Follow Manchester Evening News:
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