Summerville emerges as Man United's top transfer target as Rashford delays future decision

Manchester United have held exploratory talks with West Ham over a move for winger Crysencio Summerville, who has emerged as the club’s primary wide target this summer, according to reports. The 24-year-old Dutchman, previously valued at £50 million, is also attracting interest from other Premier League clubs.

Summerville impressed at West Ham last season despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League, and carried that form into the World Cup, scoring twice and providing two assists in four appearances for the Netherlands before they were eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32. United manager Michael Carrick is expected to move quickly now that Summerville’s tournament is over and his immediate future can be addressed.

Carrick is looking to overhaul his squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season. Brazilian midfielder Ederson has all but completed a move from Atalanta to fill the void left by Casemiro’s departure, though United have already missed out on other midfield targets, with Mateus Fernandes among those who opted to join Premier League rivals instead.

On the left wing, Carrick used Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha last season in the absence of Marcus Rashford, who spent the campaign on loan at Barcelona. That loan has since ended without a permanent deal, after Barcelona chose not to exercise their £26 million buy option.

Rashford, who scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists during his time at the Catalan club, has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup and made clear he has no intention of resolving his club future mid-tournament.

“I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it done before,” Rashford said. “If it’s not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We’re fighting for something special.”

Rashford is expected to return to United for pre-season once England’s World Cup campaign concludes, at which point both parties will reassess his long-term situation at Old Trafford.