Man Utd transfer news: Second signing confirmed amid Marcus Rashford to Barca twist

Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of young full back Diego Leon with Ruben Amorim already at the training ground ahead of Monday’s first day of pre-season, when five stars will be missing

Ruben Amorim is back at Carrington and Manchester United’s first-team squad will return on Monday for the first session of what is expected to be a punishing pre-season that will ensure the team are ready to start the new Premier League campaign sharp.

Well, most of the squad. Five players, including Marcus Rashford, have been told they do not have to report for duty to afford them time to sort a move away from Old Trafford. None have a role under Amorim it would appear and a host of clubs have been linked with moves, though the fact they are so openly being shopped could mean they are not going to get the highest possible price.

Diego Leon, meanwhile, was unveiled yesterday months after a deal for the Paraguayan defender was agreed. He will spend time between the first team and academy as he gets used to live in north west England.

Here are the transfer stories worth keeping an eye on as the first friendly appears on the horizon.

READ MORE: Man Utd release transfer statement as second summer signing is officially confirmedREAD MORE: Barcelona make stance on Marcus Rashford transfer clear after Man Utd star reaches out

Leon lands

Manchester United have announced the signing of youngster Diego Leon. The Paraguayan defender’s move had been agreed months ago but he has now officially joined from Cerro Porteno.

Full back Leon, who turned 18 in April, has already played 33 senior games and scored four goals for Porteno. United said in a statement that Leon “as an emerging talent will be supported by our first team and the academy whilst he settles into life in Manchester.”

Leon is United’s second official signing of the summer window, following Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m arrival from Wolves, while they maintain a strong interest in bringing in Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

Barca wishlist

Barcelona maintain an interest in Marcus Rashford but it has been suggested that the Manchester United star is not at the top of the Catalan giants’ summer wishlist.

On Friday it was confirmed that Rashford, 27, will not have to return to United’s Carrington base for the start of pre-season on Monday so he can secure a move away from the club with no prospect of him being reintegrated into Ruben Amorim ‘s plans.

And United have already taken the No.10 shirt from Rashford and given it to new signing Matheus Cunha, who has arrived from Wolves for £62.5m.

Bayern Munich are also looking at a move for Rashford, who is open to playing abroad but favours a switch to Barcelona. Reports earlier this week said that Rashford has made contact with Barcelona, after their £58million deal to sign Nico Williams collapsed in spectacular fashion.

Rashford is said to have indicated a willingness to take a cut on his salary to help secure a move to the Nou Camp. But Barca, per Mundo Deportivo, see him as a Plan B signing rather than a top target.

Four more to go

Beyond Rashford, United have granted permission for four other players to NOT return for pre-season training on Monday as they seeks moves away.

Alejandro Garnacho was reportedly told he could find a new club after row over being benched for May’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

Chelsea turned down the chance to sign Jadon Sancho for £5m at the end of his mediocre loan move last season and has recently been linked with a switch to Juventus.

Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis and was keen on making deal permanent but financial hurdles have complicated it, while left back Tyrell Malacia was at PSV Eindhoven for the second portion of last season, making 12 appearances in all competitions.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.