Manchester United scouts to watch Bologna's Santiago Castro in Europa League
Manchester United will have scouts in attendance at Villa Park on Thursday to observe Bologna striker Santiago Castro, according to a report from Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino. The Argentina international is expected to feature for the Serie A side in their Europa League clash against Aston Villa, providing a direct opportunity for United's recruitment team to assess him. Castro, 22, has been in strong form this season, scoring 11 goals across all competitions, which has attracted significant interest from the Premier League.
Chelsea have also dispatched scouts to monitor Castro, as reported by the same source, setting up a potential transfer battle for the forward's signature this summer. It was previously suggested that Bologna could demand a fee in the region of €70 million for the player, a valuation that was established before he signed a new long-term contract with the club in February. Arsenal have also registered past interest in the striker, indicating a competitive market for his services.
In other transfer news, Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown has addressed speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Speaking to German publication BILD, Brown acknowledged the rumors but stated they "do not influence" him, emphasizing his focus on finishing the season strongly with Frankfurt and securing a place in his national team's World Cup squad. Reports have suggested Frankfurt could command a record fee for a left-back should they decide to sell the highly-rated defender this summer.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also exploring a potential move for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, according to talkSPORT. The Argentine centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave the Cherries on a free transfer, with a desire to remain in the Premier League. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the 27-year-old. Senesi is reportedly keen to resolve his future swiftly, and United's potential managerial situation could play a role, with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said to be open to the United job if Michael Carrick is not appointed permanently.
Further afield, Turkish outlet Turkiye Gazetesi reports that United are monitoring the situation of Besiktas forward Oh Hyeon-gyu. The South Korean international, 25, joined the Istanbul club in February and has made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals in ten appearances. This form has prompted attention from several Premier League clubs, with Tottenham also named as an admirer. The flurry of scouting activity and exploratory contacts underscores a broad approach from United's recruitment department as they plan for the summer window.
