Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to raise funds through departures this summer after being handed an £80m transfer budget at Manchester United.
United are keen to strengthen their options this summer but their ability to sign players has been hindered by the ongoing financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with Solskjaer having admitted recently that the situation will impact the club’s business this summer.
Solskjaer’s side have shown signs of progress this season and currently sit second in the Premier League, the club on course to secure Champions League qualification in consecutive campaigns for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
According to the Metro, securing a return to Europe’s elite will see the club’s hierarchy provide a transfer budget of around £80m for the summer window, though Solskjaer is keen to increase those funds by sanctioning the sales of several stars.
Amongst those who could depart include Jesse Lingard, whose impressive loan spell at West Ham has increased hopes the club will be able to command their £20m asking price for the midfielder.
Lingard had found himself on the periphery of the Manchester United side over the past 18 months and failed to make a league appearance this season before moving to the London Stadium, where he has since scored four goals and provided an assist in just six appearances.
United turned down a request from West Ham to insert an option-to-buy in the initial deal, a decision which could now lead to a greater fee following the impressive performances of the England international in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old will have just a year remaining on his deal this summer and the Hammers are keen to extend his stay beyond the end of the current campaign.
Another loanee, Diogo Dalot, will also be allowed to move on after spending this season on loan at AC Milan, whilst Phil Jones has been deemed surplus to requirements with Newcastle, Burnley and West Ham having previously shown an interest in the defender.
Juan Mata will also be allowed to leave, with United ‘expected to trigger a one-year extension in the midfielder’s contract before listening to offers for the 32-year-old this summer.
United are understood to be interested in signing a new centre-back, right-winger and defensive midfielder during the summer window, whilst a new centre-forward could also be targeted if Edinson Cavani’s deal is not extended beyond this season.
Read – Premier League Team of the Week
Read Also – Premier League Weekly Awards: Lamela’s Rabona, five-star Iheanacho, and Zaha’s stand
