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Manchester United could sell five players to fund Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White swoop - Paper Round
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Updated 26/02/2026 at 09:52 GMT
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Manchester United could sell five players to raise the funds for Nottingham Forest duo Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, and hope to keep midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of a potential contract renewal. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez would elect to join La Liga rivals Barcelona over either Premier League giants Chelsea or Arsenal.
Anderson says Forest can 'definitely' win Europa League
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United clearout ahead of Anderson bid
The Daily Star explains how Manchester United could sell five players to raise money for Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest.
Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirzkee could all be moved on in the summer to refill the coffers.
The Daily Star reports: "Anderson is one of the Premier League's most sought-after talents and rumours of a ÂŁ100m valuation persist. Regardless of whether Forest avoid relegation, it seems United may mount a bid for this duo, and we examine potential sales the club could authorise to facilitate it.
"There are two apparent moves that United are anticipated to execute come the summer: offloading both Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, who are currently out on loan.
"Subsequently, if the dynamic Gibbs-White arrives, he would certainly replace Bruno Fernandes in the starting XI.
"Rumours have already started regarding a potential summer exit following last year's Saudi Pro League speculation.
"Two additional squad members could accompany Fernandes through the exit door, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker was linked with a January departure."
Mainoo contract talks yet to resume
The Sun reports that Manchester United have not yet restarted talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new contract.
The 20-year-old had been frozen out of most first-team action by previous boss Ruben Amorim, but plays regularly under Michael Carrick.
The paper claims: "Manchester United are yet to formally reopen contract talks with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
"Mainoo, 20, rejected United’s opening offer of a new deal 13 months ago, and he requested to leave the club on loan in the summer.
"United prevented Mainoo from leaving despite him not making a single Premier League start under Ruben Amorim this season.
"Mainoo has started in all six of current head coach Michael Carrick’s Premier League games in charge to all but banish any speculation over his future.
"United fully intend to agree new terms with Mainoo on a longer-term contract following his recent recall."
Alvarez wants Barca switch
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez would reportedly prefer a move to Barcelona over a return to the Premier League, with reported interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Mirror states: "Julian Alvarez has indicated his desire for a summer switch to Barcelona and would favour staying in Spain over a return to England. The 26-year-old is the subject of links with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea amid growing uncertainty over his future at Atletico Madrid.
"Alvarez arrived at Atletico in 2024 following two years at Manchester City, where he collected six major honours. His Premier League stint proved successful, with Alvarez finding the net 20 times across 67 top-flight outings for City before departing for Diego Simeone's side in an ÂŁ82 million transfer.
"With Alexander Sorloth now established as Atletico's primary striker and Ademola Lookman making an impact following his January arrival from Atalanta, the Madrid outfit are contemplating offloading Alvarez. Barcelona have positioned themselves as the frontrunners for Alvarez's signature should he leave Atletico."
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