Romero targeted by Man Utd as Rashford edges closer to Bayern Munich exit

Manchester United are targeting Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the summer transfer window set to open within days.

Romero has been identified as a priority signing at Old Trafford, where new arrivals are expected on multiple fronts. The Argentine international has been one of the Premier League’s standout defenders since joining Spurs, and United’s reported interest signals an ambitious push to overhaul their backline.

On the outgoing side, Marcus Rashford’s future away from United appears to be taking shape. Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign the England forward, though a return to Barcelona remains Rashford’s preferred destination. The Catalan club, however, appear to have shifted their focus toward Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez — a development that could push Rashford toward the Bundesliga giants instead.

Real Madrid have also been linked with Alvarez, adding further competition for the Argentine striker’s signature and complicating Barcelona’s summer planning.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid are in the market for reinforcements of their own and have identified Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella as a target. Barcelona are also believed to be interested in the Spaniard, setting up a potential battle between two Spanish clubs for his services.

The convergence of these storylines reflects a particularly active pre-window period, with the 2026 World Cup — beginning before the transfer window formally opens — likely to influence valuations and decisions across Europe’s top clubs.