Vinicius Jr. clarifies his future, rejecting Manchester United links and confirming renewal talks with Real Madrid, calling it "the club of my dreams."
It is no secret that, alongside trying to sign new midfielders, Manchester United are also keen on bringing in reinforcements on the left flank.
The first key reason for this is the uncertainty surrounding the left-back situation. Luke Shaw has been consistently available this season, but it's becoming obvious that years of injury problems have contributed to a slow physical decline.
At the same time, while United's attacking options on the right are incredibly talented, there is a lack of consistency on the left. Both Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu have had great spells on the left wing, but the club are still looking at further options.
Where United see Dorgu long-term is also a question that must be answered. The Danish international used to play on the right wing for Lecce, but slotted in at left wing-back under Rúben Amorim and has also played on the left wing under Michael Carrick.
Vinicius Jr. speaks on transfer links
Late last week, reports emerged that United had been among several clubs contacted by intermediaries about the possible availability of Real Madrid star winger Vinicius Jr this summer.
The Brazilian international is one of the biggest names in world football and the best left-wingers in the world. It was claimed that alongisde United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea had all engaged in talks.
However, with Real Madrid set to play a crunch Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich this week, the 25-year-old has addressed his future.
There has been a lot of noise around his future because his current contract expires next summer, although he has put this to bed by confirming that an extension is set to be agreed soon.
"We will agree my renewal at the right time with the club," Vinicius Jr told reporters on Monday afternoon.
"I hope I can stay here for a long time. I still have a year left, but I'm very calm. I have the confidence of the president [Florentino Perez]. At the right time, I will renew, and I will stay here for a long time, because it is the club of my dreams.”
United have safer transfer targets elsewhere
While Vinicius Jr is undoubtedly a brilliant forward and would add to any side across world football, United would be better off focusing their resources on safer targets.
Roundtable understands that one name high on United's list of possible left-wingers is Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who is seen as a brilliant option.
Some within the United recruitment group believe the Senegal international is the best available option for the Reds due to his Premier League experience, age, and ability to play on either flank of a front three.
While other options, such as Yan Diomande, have very high ceilings, the money needed to prize them from their current squads could reach as high as £100 million, while Ndiaye's reported transfer fee sits closer to £70 million.
United need stability and safe options once again this summer as they push to break back into the European elite, and Ndiaye could be the best option out there.