Transfer news: Manchester United to offer Marcos Rojo for Jose Fonte; Joe Hart to Sevilla; Riyad Mahrez opens up

The biggest and best transfer news on Wednesday 17 August

Manchester United are reportedly planning to offer left-back Marcos Rojo as a sweetener in their pursuit of Southampton defender Jose Fonte as Jose Mourinho continues to fine-tune his squad at Old Trafford.

Despite contrary reports of a new contract being offered to Fonte by the South Coast club, United seem confident of landing the Portuguese international before the close of the summer transfer window at the end of the month.

The Daily Mirror say Mourinho has been made aware of competition from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, adding an extra motivation to his cause, as the Gunners struggle to get a deal for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi over the line.

Joe Hart, meanwhile, seems destined to leave Manchester City after being left out of the starting line-up during the 5-0 first-leg success against Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League play-off on Tuesday night.

England goalkeeper Hart was also relegated to the bench for City’s opening day victory against Sunderland with Willy Caballero stepping into the breach, raising suspicion that Pep Guardiola has not been won over by his ability to abide by his instructions.

Sky Sports report that Everton and Sevilla are interested in luring him away from the Etihad with crunch talks expected to be held with Guardiola in the coming days to determine his chances of getting back into the City side.

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has revealed only “two or three clubs” could tempt him away from the Premier League champions following a summer of continued media speculation about his future.

The Algerian won the PFA Player of the Year award after helping the Foxes win a first top-flight title in their 132-year existence last season, prompting reports in France that Arsenal were considering an offer in excess of £40m.

The north London club, however, are unlikely to make a move for Mahrez during this transfer window as Leicester continue to reiterate that they are unwilling to sell their prized asset despite struggling to convince him to agree an improved contract.

Speaking to France Football this week, the 26-year-old said: “[The Premier League] is a super league and I would like to stay here as long as possible.

“Now, there are two or three clubs in the world, that if they come for me, it definitely makes you think, if you understand what I am trying to say.”