Man Utd Linked With 28-Goal Striker & Brazilian Defender As Part Of £150m Spree

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Man Utd are linked with Karim Benzema….

Incoming Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has identified Karim Benzema and Marquinhos as two of his transfer targets as he gears up for a £150m spending spree this summer, according to the Independent.

Mourinho is widely tipped to take over after Louis van Gaal was dismissed on Monday with the Mirror reporting that the Portuguese coaches agent met with United officials on Tuesday to thrash out the terms of his £15m-a-year deal.

It looks like the former Chelsea boss is planning a busy few months as the Independent claim Mourinho has already identified his key targets after being promised at least £150m for new players this summer.

The newspaper suggests that the so-called ‘Special One’ wants to be reunited with Karim Benzema at Old Trafford having worked with the French international during his time at Real Madrid.

Benzema is one of the  best all round strikers in Europe and has scored 28 goals and provided 8 assists in his 35 appearances for Madrid this season, so he’d certainly provide some much-needed fire power if United were able to agree a deal.

However, the Red Devils acknowledge that any transfer is going to be difficult to pull off as the 28-year-old is currently in talks over extending his contract with Madrid while he’s also facing a potential court case for his involvement in a blackmail plot against Lyon winger Mathieu Valbuena.

So any deal for Benzema is going to be tricky meaning Mourinho may have to move on to other striking targets as he looks to provide support for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial next season, with Wayne Rooney’s future seemingly in midfield.

It’s not just up front where Mourinho is expected to strengthen with the Independent also claiming that the Portuguese coach is looking to sign a new centre-back with PSG defender Marquinhos among his targets.

The Brazilian international has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular at PSG since signing from Roma with David Luiz and Thiago Silva the preferred centre-back pairing so Marquinhos could be open to a new challenge this summer.

The 22-year-old would be a superb addition if United could lure him to Old Trafford and he could form a solid partnership alongside Chris Smalling, with Daley Blind forced to play in defence this season due to the lack of viable options available.

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It’s certainly exciting times for Man Utd fans and as soon as Mourinho is confirmed as the new manager, I expect the transfer rumours to intensify even further as he gears up for a hectic few weeks rebuilding the squad.