Manchester United linked with swoop for Brazilian starlet

Today’s edition of The Sun brings us a rather unexpected story in their claim that Manchester United are on the brink of signing Brazilian strike starlet Gabriel Barbosa. José Mourinho is reportedly ready to sanction at £30 million bid for the 19-year-old forward after his “setting the Rio Olympics alight.”

United aren't the only team to have been linked with a move for Barbosa, with Leicester City, Inter Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich all having chased the teenager. That said, The Sun claim Old Trafford is Barbosa’s favoured destination, meaning a deal could be done in the next 48 hours.

We must admit, we know almost nothing about Barbosa, and we’re sceptical of The Sun’s claim that he’s set the Olympics alight: he’s scored a whopping two goals in their four games so far. Though it would be pleasing to see the club building for the future, this transfer can’t help but feel like a football fantasy, and would represent a break with United’s usual transfer strategy. Until this one gains more traction, we’re staying sceptical.