Manchester United target four players

Manchester United have a shortlist of at least four players that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to sign this summer.

United lost 11-10 to Villarreal in the Europa League final after Solskjaer elected not to make any substitutes until well after it would have been an effective time, but his job is bafflingly safe despite another season of treading water and having nothing to show for it.

However, with Solskjaer firmly installed as the Glazer’s yes man, and with Joel Glazer set to face down a fans’ group in the aftermath of the collapse of the European Super League, the club have to pretend to be interested in some big-name players so as to assuage the doubts of their fans. Who knows, they might even sign one of the very cheapest on the list if they can get away with it.

The Sun names four players who we are supposed to believe are under consideration. The first of those is Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who was one of the successful penalty takers. He could be available for just £26 million, with the idea to have him replace Victor Lindelof. It is not mentioned if there are any plans to replace Harry Maguire, but we can hope, I suppose.

Next up is Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who would be able to improve the right hand side, which Solskjaer wanted to do last year until he was given a striker on a free, Donny van de Beek whom he clearly doesn’t rate, Alex Telles, and someone whose name escapes me right now.

Amad Diallo! Facundo Pellistri!

The other two players who are linked are Harry Kane, and that’s obviously not going to happen, and Declan Rice, whose arrival would presumably depend on Paul Pogba getting his wish and escaping to Real Madrid or Juventus.