Manchester United interested in a glut of Wales Stars

The Man Utd interest in a glut of Ryan Giggs' Wales Euro stars and the realistic prospect of each deal actually happening

Man Utd are being linked with a host of gifted Wales players, young and old



Saturday 30th May 2020



Rabbi Matondo, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Rodon are amongst the many Wales stars who appear to be on Manchester United's radar this summer


If you were to believe the speculation, half of Ryan Giggs' Euro 2020 team will be lining up in Manchester United colours by the time the tournament gets underway.

A glut of Wales stars - young and old - are being linked with big-money moves to Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taps into the thoughts of his big mate Giggs.

It was on Giggs' recommendation that Dan James sealed a £20million move to United, where he has had a better year than some expected and shone as one of United's brightest lights.

But what about the many other Wales players Solskjaer is eyeing. and who he may speak to Giggs about?

We take a look at the realistic prospect of each deal happening.




' AARON RAMSEY '

"He’s at his best when he’s under a bit of pressure, playing against the best teams and in the big games."

The words about Ramsey from his former Wales boss Chris Coleman.

That being the case, Ramsey could have Man Utd written over him because there are few bigger clubs in world football.

Sir Alex Ferguson tried to buy him from Cardiff City many years ago, but was beaten to the punch by Arsenal.

Fresh speculation has emerged that Juventus are ready to offload Ramsey as part of their bid to entice French World Cup winner Paul Pogba back to Turin.

Ramsey and team-mate Adrien Rabiot are being offered, according to reports, as Juve look to drive down United's £135m asking price for Pogba.

This is one that could run and run for a while yet.

Deal prospect: Ramsey has just begun a four-year contract and wants to remain with Juventus. But because the Italians covet Pogba so much, a move back to the Premier League can't be ruled out. 6/10

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RABBI MATONDO

This is the left-field one that has caught everyone on the hope, the Welsh teen being linked with Man Utd, Real Madrid and more recently Arsenal.

No-one knows more about Old Trafford wing play than Giggs and he rates the 19-year-old from Cardiff highly enough to have picked him four times for Wales already.

When future stars like Ethan Ampadu and Ben Woodburn were coming through the Welsh age-grade system, Matondo was talked of behind the scenes as the one who was a little bit different, because of his searing pace and tricks.


Schalke's Welsh forward Rabbi Matondo
Having sealed a shock £11m move to Schalke, Matondo is getting regular football with youngsters given more of a chance in German football. Better that than be stuck in the reserves at a truly big club.

However, when Man Utd, Real Madrid or Arsenal come calling it's hard to say no.

Jurgen Klopp is after Wolves' Adama Traore, accepting real fliers are sometimes needed in modern-day football. Are those Matondo strengths Solskjaer wants to further supplement Dan James and Marcus Rashford?

United would certainly have the quickest forward line in the league.

Or could Ole be gazumped by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who worked with Matondo as Pep Guardiola's number two at Manchester City and also saw him through the Welsh youth ranks, having taken his coaching badges under Osian Roberts at the FAW?

Deal prospect: United view Matondo as back-up option to number one target Jadon Sancho.. But he would cost a lot less and Solskjaer views him in the same low-risk buy bracket as James. 5/10




JOE RODON

As he did with Dan James, Giggs has recommended another Swansea and Welsh youngster to the United hierarchy.

Rodon has also been tracked by Man City. A ball-playing centre-half, who has stature, presence and a turn of foot, he appears to have the qualities required to shine in the Premier League.

Comparisons have been with John Stones who, at a slightly younger age, joined Everton from Barnsley. According to those who work with him Rodon isn't as good on the ball as Stones, but is a better defender.



Man Utd aren't short of centre-backs. Harry Maguire is clearly number one and Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, each signed for sizeable fees, are vying for a place next to him.

That being the case, why would Solskjaer want Rodon? Because the others haven't proven up to it really, is the answer, and the Welshman just might.

Deal prospect: Rodon seems certain to be sold this summer, the question is where the destination will be. A mid-table Premier League club seems more likely, but Solskjaer might think £20m is value for money for a player many tip for the very top. 6/10





GARETH BALE

The perennial transfer window story - Manchester United are in for Gareth Bale.

It's done the rounds every single time and will again this summer. But given Bale's age, his wages and the size of fee involved, it seems a little less likely this time around.


Gareth Bale training with Real Madrid
A swap deal that involves David de Gea going the other way to Real Madrid can't be ruled out. Same with Paul Pogba.

There is no doubt Bale would improve United's forward line, but Solskjaer may wish to target younger players.

Deal prospect: Not so strong any more. Bale could go to Newcastle or America, but seems more likely to stay with Real Madrid. 4/10

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DAVID BROOKS


Yet another key Wales player being linked with United, with £50m being talked about.

Brooks is clearly a thoroughbred footballer, a Man Utd type of player in many ways. Plays wide, but has the ability to shine as a footballing 10 - a bit like Teddy Sheringham used to do in the 1999 treble winning team.

United, of course, have Bruno Fernandes filling that role, but Juan Mata is getting on, Paul Pogba seems destined to leave. There may be a vacancy for Brooks as back-up to Fernandes at least.

Needs to show he is fully fit again after a horror season with injuries, but Bournemouth are said to be ready to cash in.

Brooks is still only 22 and could be one of the star turns at the Euros next summer when his reputation would soar.

Deal prospect: United have been in for him for some time, but the Fernandes factor means the transfer gossip is not quite as strong as it once was. 5/10

Can only be good for Wales. There's a few sitting in United's reserves too isn't there?