Manchester United may have already agreed a deal for one central midfielder, but they are still scouring the summer transfer market for another.

Ederson will arrive at Old Trafford this summer, after the conclusion of the World Cup, in a £38million deal from Serie A side Atalanta. But Michael Carrick wants to bring in another and could even look to add a third if Manuel Ugarte leaves.

United had been keen to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but have been put off by the £120million-plus asking price and the fact that they did not want to enter into a bidding war with Manchester City.

Mateus Fernandes looks like the main target for Manchester United

via Reuters

Mateus Fernandes looks to be the one most likely in recent days, with the West Ham man on a number of people’s lips following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

But there have been plenty of other names linked with a move to Old Trafford and there are new links now with one of them – Aurelien Tchouameni.

United have been in contact with the Real Madrid star’s representatives for much of the summer to assess his transfer situation. Real were understood to be keen on offering the Frenchman a new contract to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, but that has not materialised. His current deal in the Spanish capital expires in 2028, meaning this summer would be the optimum time to sell to get the biggest price for him, should they wish to let him go.

And United have been given hope of completing a deal after news emerged that he has been given no assurances over his long-term future at Real Madrid this summer.

Real Madrid changes could see Tchouameni depart

Jose Mourinho has arrived at the Bernabeu for his second stint in charge of Los Blancos and is making changes to the squad he has inherited from Alvaro Arbeloa. He has already signed Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella at the back, with Bernardo Silva arriving on a free transfer from Man City. There is also talk of the club making a big-money move to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea too.

A deal to sign Fernandez could see Tchouameni’s days numbered, with Teamtalk reporting that United believe they can get a deal over the line to sign the 26-year-old this summer.

Tchouameni, who has been described as the “best DM in the world” made headlines towards the end of the season when he was involved in a training ground bust-up with teammate Federico Valverde.

England have made their decision on shaking hands with Thomas Partey ahead of their World Cup clash against Ghana on Tuesday.

The Three Lions got their World Cup campaign underway in some style on Wednesday as they beat Croatia. Harry Kane (2), Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were all on the scoresheet as England won 4-2.

Ghana were also triumphant in their first match as they beat Panama 1-0. Caleb Yirenkyi scored what could be a crucial winner in the 95th minute.

The Black Stars were able to emerge victorious despite being without star player and vice-captain Partey. The 33-year-old was denied entry into Canada as he faces trial over rape and sexual assault. It was later revealed that he had not declared any outstanding charges when applying for a visa.

England Make Decision About Thomas Partey

Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters

Despite not being allowed entry into Canada, Partey has been granted his visa by the United States. That means he will be available to face England in Ghana’s second group match at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.

Ahead of the tournament, it was revealed that England may decide not to shake hands with Partey, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, before their game.

Pre-match handshakes between opposing players are customary before top-level matches, including World Cup fixtures.

However, it was reported that the FA were considering England’s position on whether they agree to shake Partey’s hand or not.

According to the Telegraph, the FA has ‘has no fixed position on Partey or his involvement against England’ and are ‘not expected to issue players with any guidance over shaking hands.’

It is therefore expected that England players will shake Partey’s hand ahead of the match. Several of Partey’s former Arsenal teammates play for the Three Lions, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Ghana Defended Decision to Call Up Partey

REUTERS/David Klein

Ghana were criticised for their decision to call up Partey to their 26-man squad for the World Cup. Former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz, who now manages Ghana, defended his inclusion.

He said: “It’s a simple and basic answer. As far as I know, in England, in Portugal, whatever, until the court makes a decision, that the presumption of innocence is on the side of all court cases.

“But today, and this is not only about Thomas, very unfortunately the way the social media and the media sometimes act with full and total impunity, we are condemned even before we have the opportunity to defend. So let the events run this normal course. Let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean, we’re going to find the truth.”

After facing England, Ghana conclude their group stage campaign against Croatia on June 27. England face Panama on the same day.

Arsenal are back in the market for a striker, according to reports, just one year on from landing Viktor Gyokeres as their number one target for the position.

It comes as the Gunners look to strengthen after sealing the Premier League title last season, finally putting an end to 22 years of waiting for the division’s biggest prize.

Many thought that, after close calls in recent campaigns, that landing a striker would be the final piece of the puzzle. To some degree, it was, as Gyokeres came up with plenty of big moments for Arsenal in his debut campaign.

However, there was also a lot left to be desired, especially if the North London club wants to assert their dominance at the very top of the league and Europe for years to come.

As a result, forwards are on the shortlist, and one of them is a Premier League striker on the club’s radar.

Arsenal Want Igor Thiago

According to a report from RTI Esporte, Arsenal are showing interest in Brentford striker Igor Thiago as a potential option for the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the 24-year-old is viewed as one of the main targets for Mikel Arteta in the forward line, having shown he is capable of leading the line in the Premier League.

The Gunners aren’t alone in their appreciation of Thiago, however, as Manchester United are also claimed to be in the race for his signature.

Brentford’s valuation of the Brazilian international is currently unknown, with the club likely to hold out for a large fee to even think about a possible exit, while the competition between two rivals for the star will only increase the potential cost.

Thiago’s attributes are exactly what Arsenal want, however, with his clinical finishing, pressing off the ball, and an ability to be a focal point all playing a part in the head coach’s interest.

Thiago’s Record-Breaking Season

After a devastating injury wiped out his first season in the Premier League, Thiago has responded in fine fashion with plenty of goals to show for his efforts at Brenford.

The striker was a sensation in the division last season, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in a second season in the league.

Thiago managed to hit that goal with 17 matches to spare, while he ended up on a final tally of 22 in the division, as Erling Haaland only scored more.

His quality in terms of output cannot be questioned, though it wouldn’t be the first time that a player has looked good for a smaller club in the Premier League before struggling elsewhere.

As a result, a large fee could produce a risk, given the types of chances that are presented to Thiago at Brentford, compared to what he may expect at Arsenal.

It remains to be seen whether a deal could be done, but he may prove to be an interesting addition to the frontline at the Emirates Stadium next season.