Transfer Talk: United want Chiesa, Barella and Trippier with or without Ole

Manchester United are expected to move for Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Barella and Kieran Trippier regardless of who is in charge next summer.

Pressure is mounting on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a disastrous 5-0 defeat against Liverpool at the weekend but that has not stopped the club lining up their next targets.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claim the Red Devils are eying up Serie A pair Barella and Chiesa as well as long-term target Trippier from Atletico Madrid.

United brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane over the summer but the report claims the Old Trafford club feel they need to make further additions to their squad.

Inter Milan midfielder Barella and Juventus forward Chiesa are established as two of the finest players in Italy after starring in their country's run to Euro 2020 glory.

Barella would boost United's midfield options, while Chiesa would be expected to compete with a star-studded set of forward options.

Meanwhile, Trippier was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer, with current right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka struggling for consistency since his switch from Crystal Palace in 2019.

The report also says United are considering Antonio Conte as their next manager should Solskjaer be relieved of his duties.

City and Bayern plot De Jong swoop

Manchester City are plotting a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The £100million acquisition of Jack Grealish was City’s only arrival during the summer transfer window but the Citizens could now be set for a busy January.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim City, alongside Bayern Munich, are interested in the 24-year-old as the pair look to take advantage of Barca’s perilous financial situation.

De Jong is contracted to the Catalan giants until 2026 after moving to Spain from Ajax for £77m in 2019.

He is a regular starter for Ronald Koeman’s men but with Barca struggling, could be tempted away to pastures new.

That means both City and Bayern will likely have to spend big to get their man.

But with Raheem Sterling reported to be highly interested in a switch to the Camp Nou, that could allow City to move ahead in the race for De Jong.

The England forward is said to be unhappy with his lack of playing time this season, and recently admitted he would be "open" to moving abroad.

In other news

The Metro say United midfielder Donny van de Beek has switched agents as he looks to secure a January move away from Old Trafford, with Everton, Newcastle and Juventus all mentioned as possible destinations.

Bayern and City will also go head-to-head for Ajax winger Antony, claim Calciomercato, while Monaco are also keen.

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton are all interested in signing Stoke and Australia defender Harry Souttar, according to Football Insider.