CASEMIRO, CUNHA CUSTARD-PIE MAN UTDStrap in a guided tour of the whispers surrounding who is driving Manchester United this morning… Frenkie De Jong’s signing in the next fortnight is ‘increasingly unlikely’, while a move for Adrien Rabiot is now ‘highly unlikely’ as his mum demands huge wages for her boy after he becomes a free agent at the end of the season . All this according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. De Jong and Rabiot are not the only players reluctant to board a sinking ship at Old Trafford. The Telegraph is among a number of reports that Casemiro is the next midfielder on United’s shortlist and could offer Real Madrid £50m for the 30-year-old. But reports in Spain suggest the Brazilian has no interest in moving his family from Madrid. It’s a similar story with Matheus Cunha. United were heavily linked with the Atletico striker on Monday, but the Rojiblancos have apparently told United not to bother coming for anything less than the value of his release clause, which is understood to be around £6m. Even if they did, Mundo Deportivo say Cunha isn’t willing. United are also interested in Joao Felix, according to Marca. Which we are sure they are, bless them. Atletico are reportedly more than happy to welcome Antoine Griezmann to the Red Devils, with The Times reporting that the French star could be offered in exchange for Cristiano Ronaldo. Erik ten Hag would prefer Hakim Ziyech and the United boss is said to be pushing the board hard for the Chelsea winger. L’Equipe say John Murtough and Richard Arnold are “listening” and may be willing to move if Chelsea’s asking price is reasonable. Which given United’s desperation, surely won’t be. Antony has been Ten Hag’s main attacking target, but De Telegraaf report that the Brazilian is no longer interested and would prefer to stay at Ajax. Which is not surprising. CHELSEA COMMUNICATE FOR AUBA, FOFANA Away from the fire at Old Trafford, it’s likely to be a busy fortnight at Chelsea, despite the Blues already having the biggest net spender in Europe since 2020. Todd Boehly has more talks scheduled with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s agent this week, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues want to assess the striker’s personal terms before making a fresh bid to Barca, who are understood to want £23m. The same source says Chelsea have already agreed terms with Wesley Fofana over a move from Leicester, but the Blues are refusing to meet the Foxes’ £85m demand. Chelsea, however, have agreed a deal with Inter to sign midfielder Cesare Casadei for £312.6m plus £4.2m in add-ons. This according to Sky Sports. Liverpool join top 10 net spenders from 2020 as Chelsea buy their way to No.1… ARSENAL FLOP EYES NICE MOVENice are doing big business this summer having already signed Kasper Schmeichel and Aaron Ramsey. They are now chasing Arsenal’s record signing… Foot Mercato say the French side want to bring Nicolas Pepe back to Ligue 1 on loan and the winger is willing to move on having already held talks. Nice were also keen on Edinson Cavani, but the former Manchester United striker is holding out for a move to La Liga. So Fabrizio Romano claims they have turned to Ben Brereton Diaz, with a £10m bid already submitted to Blackburn.
