Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof has snubbed the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia as he outlines his ambitions of continuing his career in Europe.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to shake things up at Old Trafford this summer, plenty of Man Utd players are currently facing an uncertain future at the club.
According to TEAMtalk sources, United have made Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite one of their top defensive targets for the summer.
With the club keen to bolster the centre-half position, it’s reasonable to think that a number of their existing centre-halves could be moved on in the near future.
Both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract at the end of the season and the likes of Harry Maguire and Lindelof also have question marks over their long-term future.
In December, United triggered the one-year option in Lindelof’s contract to ensure that he doesn’t walk away for free in the summer. His existing deal is now set to expire in the summer of 2025.
While the speculation surrounding his long-term future continues, the Swedish defender doesn’t seem to be keen on a move to the Saudi Pro League.
When asked if he would consider a move to Saudi Arabia by Fotbollskanalen, he said: “I haven’t actually thought about it. Maybe I don’t really feel like I’m there in my career, that I want to get down to moving away.
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what it could do to the overall financial situation.

“I feel that I want to stay in Europe and play football at that level.”
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Lindelof has admirers in Europe

While a move to the Middle East doesn’t seem to be on the cards, a switch elsewhere in Europe could tempt the 29-year-old.
As per reports, both Sevilla and AC Milan have been linked with the United star in recent months. Those same reports also claim that United won’t oppose Lindelof’s exit too strongly if he does decide to move on.
Despite missing a chunk of this season with a groin injury, the Swedish international has proved his worth to Erik ten Hag’s side of late.
While Lindelof is at his best in a central role, he’s been played as a makeshift left-back in recent weeks to cover for the injured Luke Shaw.
In total, he’s made 26 appearances this season which total 1,886 minutes. If he is looking for a more prominent starting role, a move this summer could be on the cards.


Lindelof would have a greater chance of starting for the likes of Sevilla or AC Milan and this could play into his thinking come the summer. From United’s perspective, the upcoming window could be seen as the ideal time to cash in on the 29-year-old.
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Celtic to try again for Wolves star after failed January approach as Rodgers eyes cover for priority position

Celtic had a disappointing January transfer window and publicly stated that most of their targets were not available, including Wolves star Hugo Bueno.
Brendan Rodgers was left with no defensive reinforcements despite a need for fresh legs, especially in the full-back position .

Bueno was one player Celtic were extremely interested in signing but fell short in their efforts because the Premier League side wanted to maintain their squad depth.
TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal, however, that a summer move to Celtic Park for the Wolves left-back is still possible.
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Wolves dismissed the offer from Celtic in January to take him on loan until the end of the campaign, but the player himself was open to the experience of playing in Scotland.
The 21-year-old is keen to get consistent playing time and the Hoops may present that opportunity in the summer.

Celtic face competition for Wolves full-back

Signing a new left-back is a priority for Celtic and Bueno has been on the Scottish champions’ radar for a long time.
TEAMtalk sources state that they will face a battle for his services in the upcoming window as clubs in France and Spain look set to enter the conversation.
Bueno was signed by Wolves in 2019 from small Spanish side CD Areosa for just £3,000 and within just three years the 20-year-old rose from the under-18s to the first team.
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However, he has struggled to nail down a spot in Gary O’Neil’s team and has started just four games in the Premier League this season.
Wolves face multiple bids for some of their most important players this summer, with Pedro Neto expected to leave for a high fee.
Rayan Alt-Nouri is also coveted by some of Europe’s biggest sides and his departure could be the one roadblock to the exit of Bueno.
Bueno may have to fill in for Wolves with many of their players set to depart in the summer, he is also on a long term deal until 2028 and seen by the Midlands side as an important player for the future.
Bueno is represented by Footfell and Echo who also look after the likes of Lautaro Martinez and former Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.
Their connection to Celtic’s huge rivals is why some see Bueno ending up at the Gers, but they have a deal in place for Brazilian defender Jefte as an alternative.
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Man Utd to ruin Man City hopes of third signing from same club, with new €50m ace in Ratcliffe sights

Manchester United have been backed to disrupt Pep Guardiola’s move for Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono, with Manchester City eyeing another raid on River Plate.
Mastantuono is a 16-year-old central attacking midfielder who came through the River Plate academy before making his first-team debut in January. So far, Mastantuono has played 10 times for River Plate, scoring his first goal during the 3-0 Copa Argentina victory over Excursionistas on February 8.
River Plate boss Martin Demichelis, who represented Man City between 2013 and 2016, has been very impressed by Mastantuono and believes he has a bright future ahead of him. But Demichelis is not the only one who has been charmed by the wonderkid’s huge potential.
Mastantuono has represented both Argentina U17s and Argentina U20s, while also emerging as a target for sides in Europe.
On Monday, Fabrizio Romano revealed ‘top European clubs’ are keeping tabs on his development.
HITC have now provided their information on the left-footed playmaker. They state that Premier League giants Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea are all vying to put themselves at the front of the queue for his capture.
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City were the first English side to scout Mastantuono. Last season’s treble winners feel they have the best chance of landing him thanks to two connections in particular.
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The first is with Demichelis. As the manager previously played for City, he could convince Mastantuono that the Etihad would be a great destination for him to hone his craft.

Man Utd in for new Man City target

Secondly, City chiefs have a good relationship with their River Plate counterparts after signing Julian Alvarez from the Argentine giants and agreeing a deal for Mastantuono’s current team-mate Claudio Echeverri.
As City have already been in contact with River Plate, they will know exactly what is required to sign Mastantuono, too.
However, that does not guarantee that Guardiola’s side will win the transfer race. As the report mentions, Man Utd are firmly interested, too.
New Man Utd part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed his desire to sign the ‘next Kylian Mbappe’ or ‘next Jude Bellingham’, rather than landing those players for huge money.
This will largely involve the ‘best in class’ British youngsters, such as Jarrad Branthwaite or Michael Olise. But the Red Devils must also cast their net further, which could involve South American youngsters such as Mastantuono.


In previous transfer windows, City would have easily convinced Mastantuono to join them over Man Utd. However, Ratcliffe will likely have a couple of tricks up his sleeve.
Ratcliffe will explain to the teenager his ambitions plans for making Man Utd one of the best teams in the world again, which will involve up-and-coming talents.
Ratcliffe will also point out that City could be faced with a downward spiral if Guardiola leaves when his contract expires in 2025. Just look at what happened to Man Utd and Arsenal previously when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger left their roles.
River Plate are aware of the growing interest in their latest academy product and are taking the appropriate steps. They have tied Mastantuono down to a new contract which runs until December 2026.
That deal has also increased his exit clause from €30m (£26m) to €5om (£43m). As per Romano, that is one of the biggest release clauses in Argentinian football history.
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Man Utd told four reasons why £80m star is perfect signing for new era; second target likened to UCL winner

Louis Saha has given his verdict on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and a second star Manchester United could spend big money to sign this summer.
New Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided central defence is one area that needs to be strengthened as a priority in the summer. This is due to concerns over current players Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.

Evans is in the twilight years of his career and could soon hang up his boots, while Varane is expected to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires on June 30. Maguire has once again emerged as a target for West Ham United, too.
Martinez is arguably Man Utd’s most reliable centre-half when fit, though he has been held back by foot and knee injuries this season.
These factors have seen Ratcliffe identify Branthwaite as a prime target to play in the Man Utd defence for the next 10 years or more.
Branthwaite is only 21 but already possesses a good amount of Premier League experience, having shone during 25 appearances for Everton this campaign.
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On Monday, sources confirmed to TEAMtalk that Man Utd are extremely interested in the youngster, though they will have to pay £80million to sign him.
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Everton rate Branthwaite very highly and are looking at Wesley Fofana’s £75m switch to Chelsea in 2022 as a marker for any possible deal.

Man Utd target ‘has a lot of quality’

Saha, who won two Prem titles and the Champions League with Man Utd between 2004 and 2008, has now weighed in on the Branthwaite to Man Utd rumours.
The former striker thinks Branthwaite has the quality, physical presence, maturity and the right camp around him to become a big hit at Old Trafford.
“He will have to prove that he’s good enough because there’s a lot of talent in Manchester United’s squad and it’s a big step up coming from Everton,” Saha said in a recent interview (via Stretty News).
“Jarrad has a lot of quality, he’s got the physique, he comes across as down to earth and he seems to have the right people around him, so there are a lot of indications that suggest he could be the right fit.
“If Manchester United wants to buy a player, then that’s because they’re performing on a regular basis for their club, so I do believe Jarrad is the right target. You need to be prepared mentally to make the move to a club like Manchester United because it’s such a big step.”

Another solution to Man Utd’s centre-back problems is Leny Yoro, the 18-year-old Frenchman who is shining at Lille.
Saha went on to compare Yoro with Varane, who won four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid before joining Man Utd.
“I think he [Yoro] could have an immediate impact if he moved to the Premier League because he’s a big boy, very confident technically and quick,” Saha added.
“He has all the ingredients that a modern day centre-back possesses. It’s incredible how trusted he is at his age and I’m sure he could adapt very quickly to the Premier League.
“Raphael Varane moved to Real Madrid when he was 18 and Yoro is a similar type of defender that brings calmness to a defence. With the right manager and the right teammates, he can have an amazing career. Yoro’s a really exciting player and I’m sure that Manchester United won’t be the only club looking to sign him.”
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Arsenal confirm defender has penned two-year deal after Arteta blocked him from leaving in January

Premier League leaders Arsenal have confirmed that Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu has penned a new contract to commit his future to the club.
The Japanese star joined the Gunners during the 2021 summer transfer window from Serie A outfit Bologna and has made 73 appearances for the English outfit across all competitions.

“His attitude, mentality and values are first-class…”

The PA news agency are reporting that Tomiyasu’s new contract is for two years, with the option of a further 12 months.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed at the start of February that Arsenal and Tomiyasu have “agreed” a new deal.
He tweeted: “Takehiro Tomiyasu’s new deal at Arsenal, agreed and sealed. Japanese defender set to sign new long term contract at the club.
“Decision wanted by both board and Arteta as there was never any chance for Tomiyasu to leave in January. Announcement to follow soon.”
Following Arsenal’s announcement on Wednesday morning, Romano confirmed that the deal is “valid until June 2026” and includes the option for a further year.
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Head coach Mikel Arteta said: “We are so pleased to have Tomi commit his future with us. Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi’s attitude, mentality and values are first-class.
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“Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the squad since joining us. The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day, is admirable. We look forward to continue working with Tomi in the future years.”
Tomiyasu has made 20 appearances this season, scoring his first goal against Sheffield United in October, but has not featured in 2024 having played for Japan in the Asian Cup and then struggled with a calf injury.

“It’s a dream…”

The 25-year-old said: “I’m so happy to extend my contract because Arsenal is one of the best clubs in the world. And it’s a dream to play for this club.
“I’m still learning a lot of things from Mikel, from my team-mates. I still have capacity to improve. So I will try to be a better player and also a better person as well.”

Sporting director Edu added: “We are very excited to have Tomi with us for more years to come.
“He has huge qualities both on and off the pitch, and offers so much strength and versatility to our squad. Tomi is a top professional and it’s great that he’ll continue to play an important role in the coming years, as we work towards achieving our goals.”