Manchester United are braced for Al-Hilal to bid £80m for Bruno Fernandes amid suggestions that they will need to sell stars to raise funds.
The Red Devils' 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday could have serious consequences for the club given they have now missed out on the revenue that would come with being in the Champions League.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has repeatedly stressed to fans that United are in poor financial health, with reports suggesting he could soon make up to 200 staff redundant.
Sales from the first team will almost certainly have to be considered if boss Ruben Amorim is to be given funds to improve the squad in the summer.
Football Insider claim that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are preparing to make a significant play for captain Fernandes despite United's insistence that he is not for sale.
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Who could be sold?
The Red Devils will be looking to move on stars who would bring in sizeable sums, and the exit of Fernandes may be appealing given that they have paid off the entirety of his original transfer fee, and any income from his sale would better help the club comply with financial rules.
However, Fernandes has been United's best player this term - scoring 19 goals and registering 17 assists - and the Portuguese's departure would weaken the squad.
Amorim must be provided with funds to mould the team in his image, so perhaps he could sanction the exits of out of favour stars such as Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho classifies as a homegrown talent and his sale would also help United comply with financial rules, and would be a more viable asset to sell than the likes of Antony, as the Red Devils still owe Ajax a portion of his transfer fee.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford will soon return from his loan spell at Aston Villa and considering he has reportedly fallen out with Amorim, it would not be surprising if he was moved on.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo managed to break into the England national team during the Euros in 2024, but he has found it difficult to establish himself in United's XI this season, and his exit cannot be ruled out.
Lewis Nolan
