Man Utd transfer news: Paul Pogba and Ivan Rakitic to swap clubs?

Barcelona ace Rakitic is wanted by Jose
Mourinho along with Douglas Costa, Fred and Alex Sandro

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According to the paper Jose Mourinho has decided Pogba hasn’t
got a future at Old Trafford and he is angling for a swap deal with
Barcelona that would see Ivan Rakitic head to Manchester.

Citing Spanish outlet Don Balon as its source, the Express
claims that Mourinho is “desperate to land Rakitic”, despite the
fact that at 30 he is five years the senior of Pogba.

But the Special One allegedly feels his relationship with
Pogba “is beyond repair” and he’s told the United board that it
would be in the club’s best interest if they offloaded the
Frenchman this summer. Don Balon claims Barcelona are “tempted on
the swap deal” and it could be concluded before the World
Cup.

United ready to pay £79m for Bayern star
Costa

Meanwhile The Sun claims an exclusive with its report
that United are “ready to pay the £79m required to land Douglas
Costa”. 

The 27-year-old Brazilian winger joined Italian champions
Juventus on loan from Bayern Munich last summer and he’s been a hit
in Turin.

Juve, who paid Bayern £7m last year, have an agreement in
place with the German club whereby they can make the deal permanent
by paying an additional £33m.

That is by no means certain with Juve coach Massimiliano
Allegri prioritising central midfielders in the summer transfer
market.

If the club feels they can’t afford to buy Costa then the
Sun claims United will seize the opportunity to bring in the South
American, even though they will have to meet Bayern’s asking price
of £79m.

Fred will decide future after the World
Cup

As for Fred, one of Costa’s Brazilian international teammates
who has also been linked to United, Metro reports that he will decide his future
after the World Cup.

Rumours emerged earlier in the week that the Shakhtar
Donetsk midfielder could be on his way to Old Trafford in a
£50m-plus deal, but Fred has since announced: “After the World Cup
I will make the choice. Now I am only thinking about the World
Cup.”  

Juve keen to keep Sandro

Talking of messages, there’s been one from Juventus concerning
United’s pursuit of Alex Sandro, reports the Manchester Evening News. 

The Brazilian left-back is a target for the Red Devils,
but Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has told the Italian media that
they are still confident they can persuade the 27-year-old defender
to sign a new deal.

“We will meet next week with his representative and I
think there’s a desire to extend the contract,” Marotta
said.