Mourinho crosses swords with Real Madrid and Barcelona
The transfer market has matched hunger with appetite. Some of the biggest clubs are out to recycle existing squads, others are in the hunt for new faces, Real Madrid more than most as they race against the ticking clock of a FIFA transfer ban. The problem is that there simply aren't enough elite footballers to go around. Prices soar, conflicts of interest arise and the titans begin their high-priced horse-trading. It's going to be a fascinating summer.
As you would expect, Manchester United, whose two biggest selling points are the cash and Jose Mourinho, are looking for a world star who will help them compete on the pitch and in the balance books. Mourinho is intent on signing Paul Pogba, but so are Real Madrid. In his first press conference the Portuguese manager said that he already has three of the four pillars he wants to construct his team upon. The fourth is the French midfielder. The support actors will follow, replacements for cast members who will exit stage left, (players like Juan Mata) by choice or otherwise. André Gomes and Kanté are on that list, but they too have appeal for the bigger clubs (Both Barça and Real Madrid have made enquiries for one or the other, or both in the last month). It would be a real marker laid down by Mourinho, who only has the Europa League, the Theatre of Dreams and the future to offer, were he to outmanoeuvre the all-powerful Real Madrid in the transfer market...