The Manchester United board has confirmed significant transfer actions to re-sign a former United star before the season concludes.

Manchester United is closely monitoring several players whose contracts are approaching their end, as they look to bolster their squad with strategic free transfers and potential swap deals.

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, the club is focusing on experienced, versatile, and high-profile players who could make a significant impact without hefty transfer fees.
One key target is Arsenal’s Thomas Partey. United is watching his contract situation carefully, and if Arsenal opts not to renew, United may move in.

Partey’s strength, composure, and experience in midfield make him a desirable candidate, especially as a free signing.

Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters is another player of interest. If Southampton faces relegation, the full-back could become available on a free transfer. His ability to play both right and left-back offers valuable flexibility and depth.

The most ambitious, albeit unlikely, name is Lionel Messi. Currently with Inter Miami, if Messi chooses to return to Europe, United would consider the move.

While it seems improbable, the club wouldn’t pass up the chance to sign one of football’s greatest players, even for a short spell.
Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest is also under consideration. Though Aina has shown interest in staying at Forest, contract negotiations remain uncertain, and United could seize the opportunity. His versatility in defense makes him a cost-effective option.

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another possible signing. With his contract unresolved, he could leave on a free transfer. At 27, he has much to offer and could serve as valuable backup or a rotation option alongside Rasmus Højlund.
Former United academy player Angel Gomes, now at Lille, is also being monitored. He has developed in Ligue 1, and a return to Old Trafford could be on the cards if contract talks with Lille break down.

PSV’s Olivier Boscagli and Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell are also being evaluated. Boscagli is a solid defensive option with strong passing abilities, while Mitchell’s balance of attack and defense at left-back could improve United’s defensive options.

In a surprising twist, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly on United’s radar. Although a move to MLS is more likely, United are keeping an eye on the situation in case an opportunity arises to bring the Belgian playmaker to Old Trafford—a potential transfer that would make waves in football.

Other names on the list include Frank Anguissa of Napoli, Jonathan Tah of Leverkusen, Leroy Sané of Bayern Munich, Jonathan David of Lille, and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool.

United is preparing for a transformative summer with a focus on cost-effective signings that could reshape the squad.

This update highlights Manchester United’s strategy to take advantage of contract situations and target high-impact players who could arrive at little to no transfer cost. It’s a mix of realism and ambition, with names ranging from sensible depth options like **Kyle Walker-Peters** and **Ola Aina** to long shots like **Lionel Messi** and **Kevin De Bruyne**.

Here are a few quick takeaways:

– **Thomas Partey** and **Frank Anguissa**: Smart midfield additions who could add steel and experience.
– **Ola Aina**, **Walker-Peters**, and **Tyrick Mitchell**: Versatile defenders to add depth without major investment.
– **Dominic Calvert-Lewin** and **Jonathan David**: Strikers with different profiles—David brings speed and goal sense; Calvert-Lewin offers physicality and hold-up play.
– **Angel Gomes**: A sentimental and tactical return if the price and contract align.
– **Kevin De Bruyne and Messi**: Unlikely but transformative; symbolic of United’s ambition if such a deal were possible.
– **Leroy Sané and Trent Alexander-Arnold**: Creative powerhouses, though prying them from their current clubs seems far-fetched.

It’s clear United wants to reshape its squad with intelligent, flexible acquisitions, particularly given INEOS’ push for smarter financial decisions.

Would you like a shortlist of the most realistic and valuable targets from this list, based on contract status, club stance, and squad need?

Absolutely — here’s a **shortlist of the most realistic and valuable transfer targets** from Manchester United’s reported watchlist, taking into account **contract status, squad needs, club openness to a sale, and financial strategy under INEOS**:

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## ✅ **Top Realistic Targets (High Feasibility + High Value)**

### 🔹 **Thomas Partey (Arsenal)**

* **Contract:** Expires 2025
* **Status:** Arsenal unlikely to offer an extension
* **Fit:** Ideal short-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo; adds composure, ball-winning, and experience
* **Cost:** Could be available **for a small fee or even a free transfer** late in the window
* **Priority Level:** ★★★★☆

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### 🔹 **Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)**

* **Contract:** Ends 2025, but Forest might sell early due to wage and performance clauses
* **Fit:** Covers both full-back positions with solid defensive awareness
* **Cost:** Low fee or potential free if negotiations break down
* **Priority Level:** ★★★☆☆ (Depth signing)

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### 🔹 **Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton)**

* **Contract:** 2025
* **Status:** May leave if Southampton are relegated (or for financial reasons if they remain in the Championship)
* **Fit:** Can play both LB and RB—valuable squad player
* **Cost:** Likely **£10–15m**, or cheaper late in the window
* **Priority Level:** ★★★★☆

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### 🔹 **Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)**

* **Contract:** 2025
* **Status:** Declined renewal, Leverkusen open to sale
* **Fit:** Tall, physical, experienced centre-back—solid partner for Martínez or Varane replacement
* **Cost:** Around **€18–25m**
* **Priority Level:** ★★★★☆

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### 🔹 **Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)**

* **Contract:** Expires 2025
* **Status:** Everton may cash in amid FFP concerns
* **Fit:** Physical presence and aerial threat as a backup/rotation striker
* **Cost:** Around **£20–25m**, or potential cut-price late-window deal
* **Priority Level:** ★★★☆☆

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### 🔹 **Angel Gomes (Lille)**

* **Contract:** 2025
* **Status:** Contract extension stalling
* **Fit:** Homegrown talent, developed technically in Ligue 1; AM/RM/CM versatility
* **Cost:** £15–18m
* **Priority Level:** ★★★★☆

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## 🟡 **Less Likely, But Worth Watching**

### 🔸 **Frank Anguissa (Napoli)**

* **Contract:** 2025
* **Status:** Napoli open to summer refresh; Anguissa not untouchable
* **Fit:** Strong, mobile holding midfielder—an alternative to Ugarte/Neves
* **Cost:** £25–30m
* **Priority Level:** ★★★☆☆

### 🔸 **Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)**

* **Contract:** 2025
* **Status:** Palace may hold out for a fee unless he forces a move
* **Fit:** Solid defensively, improving going forward—good Shaw backup/replacement
* **Cost:** £25m+
* **Priority Level:** ★★★☆☆

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## 🔴 **Ambitious / Long Shots (Unrealistic Under Current Conditions)**

| Player | Reason for Low Realism |
| ————————– | ————————————————————- |
| **Lionel Messi** | Happy at Inter Miami; unlikely to return to Europe |
| **Kevin De Bruyne** | Contract ends 2025; would never be sold to United |
| **Trent Alexander-Arnold** | Symbol of Liverpool; zero chance of sale to United |
| **Leroy Sané** | Bayern will demand £60m+; not on market unless he forces move |
| **Jonathan David** | Lille will sell but for high fee (£40–50m); not a free option |

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## 🧠 Strategic Summary for United

Under the **INEOS model**, Manchester United are:

* **Targeting players in final contract year** (2025) to leverage discounts or pre-contracts
* **Focusing on positional flexibility and tactical intelligence**
* Balancing **short-term fixes (Partey, Calvert-Lewin)** with **long-term squad building (Gomes, Tah)**

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### 📌 **Recommended Priority List**

1. **Thomas Partey** – Short-term midfield steel
2. **Angel Gomes** – Technical, versatile, and homegrown
3. **Jonathan Tah** – Smart, physical CB option
4. **Kyle Walker-Peters** – Full-back coverage
5. **Dominic Calvert-Lewin** – Premier League-proven striker depth

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Would you like this in **a table format**, or perhaps a **graphic-style transfer target sheet** for easy comparison?