Three easy transfers Man United can complete before major FFP shift in next three days

The date of June 30 has become a new deadline within the summer transfer window due to Premier League spending rules and Manchester United have the opportunity to benefit from it.

The three-year cycle for Profit & Sustainability Rules [PSR] concludes on Sunday, with a number of clubs thought to be close to cash-loss limits. Several have already facilitated sales in order to help them stay above board amid fears of points penalties, as seen with Everton and Nottingham Forest last season.

Everton, Leicester City and Newcastle United are all thought to be close to the £105m deficit threshold while Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are also reportedly minding their step. United do not have much room within finance limits either.

READ MORE: The nine players Manchester United are realistically looking to sell this summer

READ MORE: 'Finalising terms' - Man United look set to confirm £27m deal 'by end of the week'

While they are not in as precarious a position as their rivals, the club are said to be operating on a net spend of just £50m this summer, which means players will need to be sold if United are to land defender, midfielder and striker targets.

However, clubs who are facing a close call within PSR regulations may decide they need to sell some of their assets before Sunday. None would be ideal targets but if United wished to snap up a quick deal, three players could be available for hire.

Marc Cucurella

Cucurella held loan talks with United last summer amid their problems at left-back but Chelsea’s reluctance to insert a break clause into his deal ended negotiations, with Erik ten Hag eventually turning to Sergio Reguilon.

Nine months on, United still find themselves in the same situation. Tyrell Malacia did not play all season due to setbacks following a knee operation while Luke Shaw still has not played since February despite being included in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Much like Gareth Southgate, Ten Hag had to find a fill-in at left-back with Diogo Dalot often being chosen for the responsibility after Reguilon’s loan was terminated in January.

It’s easy to forget that Manchester City were once linked with Cucurella before he ultimately chose Chelsea in 2022. The Spaniard has played under five different Blues managers - excluding Bruno Salter’s brief caretaker stint - and has not excelled under any.

This is not exactly a great advert for his transfer but with fitness question marks over both current left-back options, and with the role not a priority reinforcement area, United may at least consider his availability. If a green light is given, a transfer could be quickly enacted.

Jhon Duran

The Aston Villa striker is being looked at by Chelsea but a deal is yet to be done. The Colombian would fit United’s need for a striker to support Rasmus Hojlund but there are obvious questions over his chances of success at Old Trafford.

Duran, 20, has scored just five goals in 35 Premier League matches and has only completed a full 90 minutes in the competition once - a final day 5-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last month.

However, Villa are thought to be eager to sell unneeded players and should United enquire, it is likely the club would be receptive. Speaking about his future while away at the Copa America with his country this week, Duran said: "The options of the other teams I don’t know, I am not aware now."

"For those topics of possible signing I already have other people who take care of that." First port of call is his agent, then. The Glazers being based in the US - one of three countries hosting the Copa America - perhaps helps on this occasion.

Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah may be the fall guy for Chelsea when it comes to PSR regulations, with academy products counting as ‘pure’ profit - in that they did not cost anything to bring in and thereby the entirety of any sale fee would file into the income column.

The centre-back has seen Tosin Adarabioyo arrive to bump up the numbers in central defence back up to six following the exit of Thaigo Silva, albeit Alfie Gilchrist is expected to leave on loan this summer.

But Chalobah remains low on the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and it would perhaps be surprising not to see him move on. Realistically, United would only entertain the prospect of his arrival if the fee is low and if a current centre-half leaves, which seems unlikely.

Victor Lindelof has been linked with a reunion with Jsoe Mourinho at Fenerbahce, but such a prospect seems unlikely given Raphael Varane’s exit leaves only four centre-backs remaining, discounting a possible Jonny Evans renewal.

At 24, Chalobah could be a long-term option but United would have to low-ball an offer with four years still remaining on his contract for it to be worthwhile. But if Chelsea do need to sell players before Sunday, Chalobah is likely to be one to be shown the door.

Other mentions

Callum Wilson may be a player Newcastle would be willing to offload for the right cash, but that is still likely to be too steep for United. They would be taking a risk with a 32-year-old who has suffered frequent injuries in recent seasons.

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo impressed last season, but to say a deal would be ‘easy’ is stretching it, despite his employers' PSR situation.

Chelsea academy graduate Conor Gallagher could also move on but Todd Boehly will not wish to let him leave on a cheap bargain, with negotiations likely to exceed beyond Sunday given his involvement at Euro 2024.