Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 7y

Manchester United aren't planning summer first-team overhaul - sources

Manchester United are not planning a major overhaul of their first-team squad this summer, with the club working on bringing in four new players ahead of next season, sources have told ESPN FC.

However, United are preparing for a difficult transfer window with other Premier League clubs set to flex their financial muscle thanks to the £5.136 billion television deal which came into effect in 2016.

Jose Mourinho has given executive vice-chairman his list of transfer targets, but there is expected to be increased competition for a number of those players from English clubs now awash with money. United are expected to target a centre-back, a midfielder, an attacking player and a striker this summer.

Burnley defender Michael Keane is the most likely defender to arrive in a £25 million deal, although Southampton's Virgil van Dijk is another option.

There is also interest in Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, but there is an acceptance inside Old Trafford that prising players away from other Premier League clubs, particularly the top six, will be very difficult.

United have found themselves in a similar situation with Chelsea winger Willian, who revealed on Thursday that he would be staying at Stamford Bridge.

Antoine Griezmann has hinted he could leave Atletico Madrid for United in the summer, saying on Monday there is a "six out of 10" chance he will be at Old Trafford next season.

A deal for the Frenchman would be made easier because of the €100 million buyout clause in his contract.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's uncertain future has also made signing a striker a priority, with Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Torino's Andrea Belotti among those being considered.

Mourinho headed for London on Thursday after leading United to the Europa League trophy in Stockholm on Wednesday night.

He will rejoin the squad before heading to the United States for United's preseason tour on July 9. Ideally, he would like most of the transfer business completed before the trip to the U.S. However, because of the complexity of this summer's market, that may be overly ambitious.

"Ed Woodward has had my list, what I want, what I would like, for more than two months," Mourinho said after their 2-0 Europa League final win in Stockholm on Wednesday.

"So now it's up to him and the owners. I wish Mr Woodward all the success in his work because now it's time for me to disconnect, because I'm very tired. I am going to land in Manchester, I am going to get a car to London, then to Portugal.

"I don't care about football for now. Now I am on holiday. I don't want to see any international friendlies, I am selfish. I can't do it.

"For me, enough is enough. It has been a very hard last few months, we were short of numbers. But with three trophies in one season and [qualifying for] the Champions League, I am very happy in my most difficult season as a manager."

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