It seems bizarre that while Manchester City have landed their No 1 target in Erling Haaland fans are still waiting to see him in a sky blue shirt.
But it appears that the future of Gabriel Jesus rather than waiting for the transfer window to officially open is the reason City are holding off. If Jesus moves as seems likely with Arsenal still the most likely destination, Haaland will takes his No 9 shirt – a number he has worn for two season at Borussia Dortmund.
Until agreement is reached that number is not officially available. City have gained a superstar striker but could they be set to lose a fan favourite and could that help United bag their main summer target? Mirror Sports rounds up all the latest transfer news and rumours.
Bazunu to become a Saint
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is heading for Southampton not Sheffield United according to The Athletic. The 20-year-old is set to move to Saints for a deal that would exceed £10 million when various add-ons are taken into consideration. And that will leave the Blades looking at alternative arrangements after hoping that they could land the City back-up on a loan deal.
Southampton have eyed Bazunu as a replacement for Fraser Forster, who left for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer this week. Bazunu's first club Shamrock Rovers are to land a seven-figure windfall payment due to sell-on clauses in the original deal with City. The Irish keeper spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, where his form earned him the club's Player's Player of the Year award.
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Zinchenko future undecided
Oleksandr Zinchenko looks resigned to leaving the Etihad this summer in a bid to secure a future as a more regular midfielder. The Ukraine star, 25, is a hugely popular figure at City and some reports have suggested the club would be open to further extending a deal that still has two years left on it.
But what Pep Guardiola will not do is guarantee him more first-team action or move him further up field where he stars for Ukraine. Zinchenko turned down a move to Wolves in 2018 in favour of staying put to fight for his place. Arsenal, West Ham and Everton have been floated as possible destinations but a number of sides in Europe could offer a solution.
Silva to help United
Manchester United have fallen some way from the side who could click their fingers and choose talent if their pursuit of Frenkie De Jong is anything to go by. But they may be about to be handed a helping hand by City if Mundo Deportivo are to be believed. Bernardo Silva flirted with the idea of leaving the Etihad for Spain last summer and is said to be open to the idea of a spell at the Nou Camp.
If that can be arranged, and Guardiola loses his battle to persuade the silky midfielder to stay, De Jong would be pushed even further down the pecking order. For a player who cost €75m and is owed a further €40 in wages over the length of his contract that makes him a very expensive bench warmer. And that, more than anything that a Europa League bound United can offer on the pitch, could force the issue.
