Man United is still prepared to pursue Jarrad Branthwaite or Matthijs de Ligt in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Former Arsenal player Robert Pires has expressed his desire for Zinedine Zidane to become the next manager of the French national team. However, Pires also supports Didier Deschamps in the short-term.

Manchester United are still in the market for another defender, according to reports from The Mirror. They are considering Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt or Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as potential options.

The paper states that United are weighing up a move for either de Ligt or Branthwaite. Manager Erik ten Hag has not ruled out signing another centre-back before the transfer window closes. United spent £59 million on 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro from Lille, but Ten Hag has indicated that there could be another addition before the August 30 deadline.

United retain interest in Branthwaite, but have refused to meet Everton’s £70 million valuation. Bayern Munich’s de Ligt is seen as a more realistic target at £42 million. Last season, United suffered over 60 separate injuries, mostly in defence. Ten Hag acknowledges that the expanded European schedule is likely to result in more players being sidelined due to the increased fixture burden.

Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe is set to leave the Gunners and join Premier League side Fulham, according to the Daily Star. Crystal Palace had also shown interest in the 23-year-old.

Smith Rowe did not get a chance to play for Arsenal in their friendly against Bournemouth in Los Angeles. The forward is on the verge of a switch to Fulham, with a reported price tag of £35 million. This would make him Fulham’s most expensive signing and equal Arsenal’s record for their biggest sale, currently held by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool seven years ago.

Before completing the move, Smith Rowe will need to undergo a medical and finalize contract terms. Fulham increased their bid to £35 million, £5 million more than their initial offer, after rumors emerged of Crystal Palace’s interest in the young striker.

Chelsea are close to signing Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino in a £17 million transfer, as reported by The Sun. The 18-year-old will return to the Argentinian club on loan until at least the rest of 2024.

Chelsea have already made five signings this summer, three of which are teenagers. Anselmino is set to join the club next week after completing a medical. However, he will be loaned back to Boca Juniors until January at the earliest.

Liverpool youngster Ben Doak could be loaned out to another Premier League side. The 18-year-old Scottish winger is attracting interest from newly-promoted Leicester City and Southampton, according to The Athletic. Liverpool are considering sanctioning a loan move for Doak this season.