Football rumours: Kalvin Phillips tops Manchester United shopping list

By Sports Desk December 11, 2023

What the papers say

The potential ins and outs at Manchester United continue to keep the rumour mill turning. The Sun reports Manchester City’s England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 28, is top of next summer’s shopping list.

An Old Trafford move could also be on the cards for RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda, 23. The Mirror says the Belgium striker could be a replacement for Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial.

Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 30, has emerged as a possible target for Newcastle, according to The Star. His England colleague Nick Pope is out for much of the season with a shoulder injury.

Fulham are keen on Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante. The Sun reports the club are increasing their interest in the 21-year-old Senegalese centre-half.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Tajon Buchanan: Manchester City are keen on a January move for Club Brugge’s Canada winger, 24, reports The Star.

Caylen Vickers: Real Madrid are poised to make a move for the Reading forward, 18, according to The Sun.

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    He is more optimistic about Harry Maguire, though even the centre-back was only rated as having a “fair chance” of being passed fit to face Pep Guardiola’s men at Wembley on May 25.

    Before that, United will finish their Premier League campaign with a match away to Brighton on Sunday.

    Despite a desperately disappointing campaign, there are still two potential routes for United to make it into Europe for next season.

    Ten Hag's side are eighth in the table, level on 57 points with seventh-placed Newcastle United, who visit Brentford on the final day.

    If United beat FA Cup holders City, they will play in the Europa League next season.

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    Shaw has been restricted to playing in 15 games for United across all competitions this season. He was expected to return before the end of the campaign when he suffered a muscle problem in the away win over Luton Town in February.

    Ten Hag was asked about Shaw and Maguire ahead of the last two games of United’s season, a fitness update which has added importance due to their likely inclusion, if fit, in England’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer.

    "For England, I can't say, it's not up to me," Ten Hag said. "But for the cup final, we're working on it.

    "Harry Maguire, it's a fair chance that he will be available. 

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