Transfer rumour roundup: Man Utd chase Como star as Rashford replacement; Arsenal plot bargain Brandt deal

Manchester United have added Como winger Jesus Rodriguez to their shortlist of potential successors to Marcus Rashford, according to widespread reports on Wednesday, as relations between the England forward and the club edge past the point of repair.

Scouts from Old Trafford, Arsenal and Chelsea have all tracked the 20-year-old Spaniard since he joined Como from Real Betis last summer. Rodriguez has responded with seven Serie A assists, performances that journalist Ekrem Konur values at €55 million should United firm up their interest.

United are also monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, although transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano insists no negotiations have taken place. Balde is being considered among the options to provide long-term competition at left-back, with Luke Shaw’s future uncertain.

Across Manchester, City risk missing out on Feyenoord defender Givairo Read. Bayern Munich are increasingly confident of securing the full-back, Christian Falk reports, while Liverpool retain a watching brief in what is shaping up to be a congested market for defensive reinforcements.

Arsenal, constrained by the need to balance the books without a major sale, have turned their attention to cut-price opportunities. Metro suggests Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt has emerged as a target; the 27-year-old is set to become a free agent and would represent a low-cost addition for Mikel Arteta’s squad.

In the Premier League’s mid-table, West Ham and Everton are locked in a duel for Torino midfielder Cesare Casadei. The former Chelsea prospect is available despite the two clubs’ mixed records on Italian imports, with Moise Kean, Simone Zaza and Gianluca Scamacca among the cautionary tales.

Juventus, meanwhile, are preparing to capitalise on Tottenham’s struggles by targeting left-back Destiny Udogie. Calciomercato claims the Bianconeri will move for the 21-year-old if Spurs succumb to relegation, with several of Ange Postecoglou’s squad attracting admiring glances across Europe.