Which Man United players should be targeted in any swap deal?
By James Fudge
Manchester United’s reported pursuit of Jack Grealish looks set to rumble on with twist and turns aplenty.
His transfer to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team has been rumoured since early within the 2019/20 season with the Norwegian believing the player ticks his boxes.
Villa’s evaluation of around £70 million has appeared to have left United’s Chief Executive, Ed Woodward, in cold sweats at the thought of departing with that sort of money.
He is yet to meet Dortmund’s price tag for Jadon Sancho and it is unlikely he will agree on a price before the start of the season.
Now, reports claim that United are prepared to submit a money plus player deal for the product from Bodymoor Heath. Something that Villa fans believe is “cheeky” for our number one asset.
It is now in Christian Purslow’s hands as to who he wants to be involved in a swap deal and who will fit the club’s transfer targets. We look at the possible options who could feature in the claret and blue next season?
1. Imposing goalkeeper to build foundations from the back
One of Villa’s main positions to fill in the window is a goalkeeper after the current first choice, Tom Heaton, returned to training this week following an ACL injury. There has been no clear date for when the international keeper can return to action.
Pepe Reina’s loan deal has ended and there appears to minimal trust in the abilities of Jed Steer and Ørjan Nyland. Dean Smith has two first-team options at Manchester United, with one increasingly likely.
Dean Henderson has returned to Manchester in hope of a first-team spot following an impressive two-year loan spell at Sheffield United. Securing him as a permanent transfer within the swap deal is highly unlikely but negotiations regarding a loan deal remain an option. A David De Gea trade is a no-go and not worth discussing.
The best option for this position would be Sergio Romero, who will be demoted to third-choice under OGS. The Argentine international looks set to leave the club for regular first-team action, with a move south to Birmingham an option and heavily linked in various media reports.
Premier League clubs are also on keen but it is believed the 33-year-old wants to see regular action back in Italy or Spain.
Romero is certainly the front-runner to be included in any swap deal. But who are the other options available?