Manchester United have reportedly made an offer of around £35m to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Rocco Reitz, according to Fichajes.
The Red Devils are set to be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, with a host of players currently being linked with a move to Old Trafford. It was recently confirmed that Casemiro will be leaving the club following the expiration of his contract, and United were being linked with moves for midfielders long before his departure was announced.
As a result, we could see Michael Carrick’s side bring in more than one body in the middle of the park during the summer transfer window. Some of their reported targets, such as Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Carlos Baleba, are likely to cost close to £100m, and Reitz could be eyed as a cheaper alternative.
It’s suggested that Monchengladbach would likely find it difficult to refuse an offer of around £35m, but his future remains undecided as it stands. United are looking to plan ahead as they aim for a big summer window. The Red Devils kept their powder dry in the January market, failing to bring in a single addition for the first team squad.
Whether Reitz will be able to make an immediate impact at Premier League level remains to be seen, but he could certainly be a cheaper alternative to some of the other names linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United have opened talks to sign a Brazilian midfielder, according to David Ornstein.
It’s no secret that the Red Devils are pushing to bring in multiple midfield additions in the summer transfer window as they look to replace Casemiro.
United do appear to be closing in on a move to sign Ederson from Atalanta, but any deal has slowed down due to his involvement at the World Cup.
Either way, the Red Devils need to bring in multiple midfield reinforcements in the summer transfer window, especially if Manuel Ugarte’s injury is serious.
Casemiro’s departure leaves a big hole in the midfield of United, and they need a bigger squad regardless due to competing in the Champions League.
Santos, described as world-class by former manager Liam Rosenior, is looking to establish himself as a regular starter, and that is unlikely to happen at Chelsea going forward.
United are yet to hold talks with Chelsea for the Brazilian midfielder, but multiple suitors have contacted his agent.
Chelsea do value the midfielder highly, but they would not block a move if it suited all parties involved.
It remains to be seen how much Chelsea are going to demand for Santos in the summer transfer window, but United have already made their move.
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Man Utd’s priority isn’t changing
Manchester United’s priority in the summer transfer window clearly isn’t changing as they look to bring in new midfield additions.
The Red Devils have been working tirelessly to try and strengthen in this position, but they have struggled to get deals over the line over the last few months.
Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes were both key targets for the Manchester club, but they have joined Manchester City and Tottenham, respectively.
United need to ensure that they start getting deals over the line, or they could end up panic-buying towards the end of the summer transfer window.
England stars have a big showdown with Mexico on the horizon and Thomas Tuchel’s troops could turn to Viagra to help them beat the World Cup co-hosts.
The two nations do battle at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday at 6 pm local time, with a 1 am kick-off for fans in the UK. There had been talk of FIFA potentially moving the game six hours ahead due to concerns over safety and the weather.
The conditions are proving an issue for Tuchel’s Three Lions, and the term ‘altitude’ has been thrown around more than ever before ahead of an English game. That’s because the players have to adapt to the high altitude and brave a fearsome atmosphere inside the 87,523-capacity stadium.
England Hoping Viagra Falls Mexico
Paul Childs via Action Images via Reuters
The Azteca is located at 7,220 feet (2,240 metres) above sea level. Tuchel has already admitted that playing at high altitude will be “impossible” and is a “big disadvantage” ahead of the clash with Javier Aguirre’s side.
Viagra could be the answer for England as they would be allowed to use the prescription medication which is often used to treat erectile dysfunction. Tuchel will hope that his players are all functioning on the same wavelength against the Mexicans.
Tackling high altitudes is where Viagra comes in handy, as it also fixes high blood pressure. Known as ‘Vitamin V’ it widens blood vessels in the lungs after blocking an enzyme that restricts them.
The over-the-counter drug can help counteract fatigue and dizziness that may occur due to the conditions. It’s harder to maintain stamina when playing at high altitudes due to the thinner atmosphere and lower oxygen concentration.
England have grown into the competition rather than shown what they are capable of thus far. They needed Harry Kane to produce a magnificent brace to come from behind and beat DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Why England Can Use Viagra
England national team celebrate World Cup victory.REUTERS/Paul Childs
The Three Lions can use Viagra because it isn’t on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. The active substance sildenafil isn’t believed to be a significant performance enhancer at or near sea level.
Tuchel’s men won’t have to fret over the possibility of an erection during the match as the medication only treats erectile dysfunction when the recipient is sexually stimulated. Unless a goalscorer gets carried away in their ecstasy during celebrations, their benefits are more focused on endurance and cardiovascular.
While England could use Viagra for their clash with Mexico, they decided against doing so during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. An FA spokesman said at the time that they had conducted detailed research but that “no discussion with regard to Viagra” and “plans for players to use it” took place.
It will take a big effort from the Three Lions to defeat the co-hosts as they have only lost two competitive games at the Azteca in 57 years. Should the English prevail, they may well have the little blue pill to thank.
Even England’s best player understands the task ahead.
Thomas Tuchel Dismisses England’s Viagra Use
John Sibley via Reuters
During his pre-match press conference, Tuchel was asked about the speculation that viagra would be part of his players’ preparation. A slightly confused-looking Tuchel responded by denying it.
“The information and the support didn’t reach me. That is not true,” the German coach told reporters. It came after midfielder Jordan Henderson, sat next to his manager, joked about the matter.
Asked about the altitude issue facing the Three Lions in Mexico, the Brentford star joked: “Well, the Viagra helps… I’m joking, it’s a joke.”
The Football Association has already settled on whether Thomas Tuchel will keep his job if England fail to beat Mexico in their World Cup last-16 tie.
England head into the game knowing they will have to conquer Mexico’s remarkable home record at the Azteca stadium — and the demands of playing at altitude give the co-hosts the edge, despite England’s status as one of the tournament favourites.
Tuchel’s side haven’t quite hit top form this summer either, needing a late Harry Kane rescue act to avoid a shock exit to DR Congo in the last 32, as well as struggling past Ghana and Panama.
Tuchel was appointed as Gareth Southgate‘s successor to take England to the next level. However, he signed a contract extension through Euro 2028 shortly before the tournament began, as he now eyes an extended stay.
Although the deal reportedly includes performance clauses letting the FA part ways with him without paying out major compensation if targets aren’t hit.
Despite the clauses written into the contract, sources close to the situation say the FA’s stance has shifted since the DR Congo scare.
According to The Telegraph, Tuchel would almost certainly have been sacked had England lost that game — but he’s expected to survive regardless of what happens against Mexico.
The FA are said to be considering the toughness of England’s route rather than any single scoreline when they assess Tuchel at the end of the tournament.
England’s staring XI to play Mexico in World Cup last 16 clash could see multiple changes – according to one source.
Short of a genuinely shocking result, the plan is reportedly to keep him in charge — even if that means defeat to Mexico, or later to Brazil, Argentina or France, should England progress that far.
With the previous four tournament finishes, including one quarter-final, one semi-final and two final defeats, Tuchel will be hoping to match and succeed those efforts as they eye the winner of Norway and Brazil and a likely date with either Colombia or Argentina in the semi-finals.
Camp Mood Remains Positive Despite Criticism
Reuters/Brett Davis
Dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold amid a right-back crisis has drawn outside criticism, as well as not adding either Luke Shaw or Lewis Hall, but those inside the camp reportedly see that as bad luck with fitness rather than a selection failure, and the mood in the squad is said to remain positive.
Tuchel had been linked with a return to club football after the World Cup, but with most of Europe’s top jobs already filled, he’s expected to stay fully focused on England’s campaign.
All the top sides in the Premier League, including former club Chelsea, have all nailed down new coaches for the foreseeable future. Plus, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are also set with José Mourinho and Hansi Flick.
