Man United bosses tour top clubs ahead of rebuild – source،
Manchester United's recruitment team are touring Europe's biggest clubs ahead of the transfer window in a bid to kick-start the team's rebuild this summer, source tells ESPN .
Director of football John Murtough and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves had lunch with Barcelona sporting director Deco in Spain on Monday and held meetings with Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
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Murtough and Hargreaves are also expected to meet their counterparts at Real Madrid as well as clubs in Portugal and Italy.
United, whose football operations are now run by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have money to spend in the summer window despite concerns over breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
A new striker and centre-back are among the club's priorities, but the size of the squad overhaul will likely depend on how much money is raised from outgoing transfers.
Mason Greenwood's future was a topic of discussion during Murtough's trip to Spain, although a source told ESPN that Barcelona, who have been linked with the 22-year-old, have distanced themselves from the move.
Greenwood impressed during a loan spell at Getafe, where he scored eight goals in 26 games, but United, sources say, are finding potential suitors still have concerns over the criminal investigation that ended his career at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe suggested the door could be open for the return of Greenwood, who is under contract until 2025, but sources told ESPN that a permanent departure this summer remains the most likely outcome. United are expected to ask for around £40 million ($51 million).
Murtough's future at United is uncertain as Ratcliffe and his team continue to make structural changes behind the scenes.
Dan Ashworth, currently on gardening leave from Newcastle, is expected to arrive as sporting director while Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford also want to appoint a head of recruitment and a head of performance.
However, sources have told ESPN that Ratcliffe and Brailsford are keen to keep Murtough, who has been heavily involved in summer planning, in some capacity after impressing his new bosses since the buyout.
