Manchester United speak out on reports Jimenez is close to joining

Manchester United speak out on the reports which have gone viral, stating that Raul Jimenez is close to joining the Red Devils.

Jimenez, 29, has been in superb form for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.

This looked as though the player was set to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for around a fee worth £60million.

It was also reported that Braga forward Paulinho is strongly linked with a £27m from the Primeira Liga side in the coming weeks.

Manchester United have since rubbished reports claiming Raul Jimenez has agreed a move to Old Trafford, with many an article saying that he was on his way to do a deal.

The Mexican forward has been one of the stars of the Premier League since arriving on loan from Benfica in 2018, a move made permanent for £30m last summer.

Jimenez is contracted to Wolves until 2023 and United turned to Shanghai Shenhua’s Odion Ighalo, initially on loan until the end of the season, before it was extended until January 1.

A host of top clubs are thought to hold an interest in Jimenez and he has been heavily linked with United for several months.

Portuguese outlet RTP reported on Thursday that the forward is ‘on his way’ to United having ‘agreed’ a deal to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

However, United have told Manchester Evening News there is ‘nothing in’ the reports and the story is inaccurate.

Senior United sources have told the MEN that the report was inaccurate and the Jimenez article cannot be found on the RTP sport landing page.

In the five-paragraph story, Jimenez’s ‘is on his way to Manchester United’ is not mentioned until the fourth paragraph.

United are thought to be prioritising deals for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish this summer.

Also, Wolves’ season isn’t over yet. Know they brought in Sarkic but he won’t be involved with first team straight away. Any first-team related matters highly likely to come a bit later on. Olympiacos is the focus for now. #wwfc

— Joe Edwards (@JoeEdwards_Star) July 31, 2020

There are also reports stating that he has been under the radar at Serie A giants Juventus most of the summer.

Jimenez, who cost £32.6m after his loan from Benfica was made permanent in 2019, has gone on to find the net 43 times in 97 games for Wolves and will have the chance to add to that tally when the Europa League resumes next week.

Alternative destinations for Jimenez include Barcelona and Real Madrid and when questioned on a potential return to La Liga, after previously flopping with Atletico Madrid earlier in his career, the striker alluded to unfinished business that he may want to rectify.

He told ESPN Mexico in May: “I have to be calm. If they are talking about me it is because I am doing things well.

“I would like to continue in England. I am happy, adapted and I like the idea [of staying].

“If you tell me that tomorrow an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona comes, it is obvious that you do not let such an opportunity go.

“But if I stay here I am fighting to qualify for the Champions League, for important things. Fighting for the title still seems difficult but we are in the Europa League last-16. I think that I made the right decision to come here and I do not regret it.”

Thanks @Young_Wolves for all the gifts you send to Arya, she really loved them. #babyAJ ??? @danielabassom pic.twitter.com/NdMOKqIGKo

— Raúl Jiménez (@Raul_Jimenez9) July 24, 2020

JIMENEZ’ PLAYER CAREER:

2011–2014 – América – 96 games (36 goals)
2014–2015 – Atlético Madrid – 21 games (1 goal)
2015–2019 – Benfica – 80 games (18 goals)
2018– Wolverhampton Wanderers – 97 games (43 goals)

National team
2012 – Mexico U23 – 13 games (1 goal)
2013– Mexico – 82 games (24 goals)

Potentially key to Wolves’ hopes of keeping their stars is Saturday’s FA Cup final, with only a Chelsea win confirming their place in next season’s Europa League, a tournament Nuno’s men could still win, if they do so, they will get a place in the Champions League.

Now that you have seen Manchester United speak out on reports Jimenez is close to joining them, what do you make of it? Let us know on our social media pages.

FAN REACTION:

Someone should check on @Raul_Jimenez9. He was on his way to Manchester yesterday ?@markgoldbridge @FlexUTD @ManUtd

— Festus Monanda (@festus_moranga) July 31, 2020

I wanted that Raul Jiminez rumors to be true, for once i wanted my club to surprise me… pic.twitter.com/pOv0KGkSnH

— Veer ?? (@VeerTeja3) July 31, 2020

I’d hate to lose £50m if he has a poor season next year and we want rid.

There are positions we need to strengthen.

— Leonard Rochester (@GoldenPalaceWW) July 30, 2020

Thank you !?

— Ricky (@Ricky95519960) July 30, 2020

I think like, any player, if he wants to go we have to sell. Dont want someone that doesn’t wanna wear the old gold and black….. although ……judging by this picture……i think he will still be in the famous wanderers number 9 next season ??? pic.twitter.com/KucpfOfv39

— ? ??Claireabelle ?? ? (@claire87uk) July 30, 2020

Cheers Joe. I can take a sigh of relief now? ? pic.twitter.com/ytmBP4rCoK

— John Charlesworth (@charlemagne_st) July 30, 2020

If raul wants out then cash in. Simple

— David walker (@Davidwa86287286) July 30, 2020

Good point Phil

— Sean Sweeney (@Sweeneybull1) July 30, 2020

I’d hate for Jimenez to desert Wolves by going to us, just to be a bit part player. I don’t get why he would want to do that either because of champions league football ambitions maybe, that’s not enough for me. We should just leave him at Wolves!

— Connor (@Connor26288588) July 31, 2020

If he wants to stay then great but if he wants to leave then cash in and say good bye . Don’t want someone playing for wolves who would rather be somewhere else

— Adam (@Adam416272201) July 31, 2020