Manchester United’s bitter rivals, Liverpool, are said to be working on their ‘Mohamed Salah replacement’ despite his transfer links to the Red Devils.
Manchester United heavily reinforced their attack in the summer, through the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško.
Of the three new signings, it has been Mbeumo who has taken to life at Old Trafford the best, with him already scoring six goals and assisting one in the Premier League.
Thanks to a triumphant win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, the Reds now sit four places above their bitter rivals, Liverpool, who are in the midst of a small crisis.
With Arne Slot’s side looking completely out of sorts, and their star man, Mohamed Salah, making his unhappiness known, Liverpool could turn to a United target as their potential replacement.
Liverpool chase United target
The Merseyside Reds are understood to be eyeing up a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, as they begin background work on replacing their Egyptian icon, as stated by Caught Offside.
Barcola is tied down in Paris until 2028, and could even extend his contract at the club, although Liverpool are still seen as a realistic option.
Despite this, sources suggest that United could also be in for the dynamic winger, who has contributed nine goal contributions in 25 appearances so far this season.
As previously reported, Barcola could head to Manchester in the summer as part of a potential swap deal if Barcelona were to opt against signing Marcus Rashford permanently.
United’s potential swap deal
This report by UtdDistrict states that Keith Wyness, who used to be a chief executive at clubs like Aston Villa and Everton, believes that Rashford could be used as part of a swap deal for Barcola.
Wyness said, “Well, the interesting news and development on that story is that PSG are claiming to be coming in here, and there could be some sort of player swap deal with Bradley Barcola, which makes sense, I think, for United.
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“He’s obviously a lot younger, was he? About 23, I think. And if they were to get Rashford and a player swap, that would, I think, suit United more than releasing him at the pretty low level, I think, that Barcelona had got, which is going to be about 30 million from memory.
“Now, the player’s point of view, I think Rashford would much prefer to stay at Barca. I think he’s happy, but PSG is not exactly the worst option. And I think he could be spoilt for choice there. And I think there could be a bidding war in terms of least wages being offered to Rashford.”
This could present United with an interesting opportunity if Rashford isn’t to join La Blaugrana permanently, although it looks like they may face stiff competition from their bitter rivals.
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