United in contact for world-class winger after CL giant issues ultimatum, INEOS ready to make record-breaking bid – report

Manchester United are one of a number of Europe’s elite clubs who are closely monitoring Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr’s situation at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to a new report. Sign Or Be Sold Real Madrid have been locked in negotiations with Vinicius‘ camp over a new contract for months, with the 25-year-old winger’s current deal set to expire in 2027 – a fact which has put a number of top clubs, including the Red Devils, on red alert. Los Blancos have made it clear to the Brazil international, who exited the World Cup alongside Casemiro and Matheus Cunha last weekend, that he must put pen to paper on an extension or risk being sold this summer. Well-placed sources indicate Madrid are willing to “increase his basic salary from around £350,000 per week to a package worth in excess of £400,000 per week”, according to TEAMtalk. This would leave only Kylian Mbappe as a higher earner in the Spanish capital. However, negotiations are described as “at a standstill”, though there are fresh talks planned now Brazil’s campaign in North America has come to an end. But the fact that Vinicius is understood to be “seeking a salary closer to £500,000 per week” offers little hope of a breakthrough. There is also a growing sense the Rio de Janeiro native is a poor fit alongside Mbappe, despite the two attackers stressing otherwise in public. Both are world-class operators, capable of unlocking defences single-handedly, who enjoyed strong individual campaigns. Vinicius Junior Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga36321668-2,825′ UEFA Champions League1413582-1,171′ Supercopa221-1-163′ Copa del Rey11—-90′ Total5348221411-4,249′ Yet they are used to being the ‘main man’ in their team, the superstar whom their teammates are always looking to feed with the ball. To have two players of this calibre and stature – and, more importantly, ego – has arguably made Madrid worse, especially as neither is a willing runner once possession is ceded. If Vinicius does not compromise on his wage demands, Madrid likely feel that cashing in on the No.7 would improve the team far more than allowing his contract to run down next season. This raises the possibility of one of football’s greatest talents becoming unexpectedly available on the market this summer. United being kept informed TEAMtalk reveals Vinicius’ agents have informed the hierarchy at the Bernabeu there are “no shortage of alternatives” for the winger to move to, with Manchester United joined by their four biggest rivals – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City – in being “kept informed of the situation.” Elsewhere in Europe, Bayern Munich are understood to be “firm admirers” as the Bundesliga champions consider reinforcements up front, having seen FC Barcelona hijack their deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. Paris Saint-Germain have been previously credited as a suitor, though the Ligue 1 giant are advancing a deal for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande. There is already a queue at the Parc des Princes on the left wing, which could see Bradley Barcola push for an exit. The Middle East is another option, with the Saudi Pro League “determined to make Vinicius its marquee signing”. The report states an “open-ended proposal” remains on the table which would “comfortably eclipse his current salary and could potentially double his existing wages.” No side in Europe would be able to compete with this offer should Vinicius choose to accept it. But he is believed to remain focused on playing at the highest level, which means only a club competing in the Champions League. Final Thoughts A report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed Manchester United were preparing to table a “formal offer” of £103 million for Vinicius, having taken the most “concrete steps” from his long line of suitors. With the Red Devils in the market for a new left-winger this summer, the option to land arguably the best option in the world is one which even Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be willing to dig deep into his pockets for. Whether this is a likely path United are prepared to take, given it would be a club record fee, or if Real Madrid would accept the offer, or even if Vinicius himself would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, remains to be seen. But the idea of a Brazilian superstar arriving from the Bernabeu is hardly a new phenomenon at the Theatre of Dreams, as the chants of ‘One More Year’ last season can attest. And the fact United are maintaining contact in Madrid means a blockbuster arrival cannot be ruled out. Featured image Wagner Meier via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.