Diego Cavalieri

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified three players that are set to leave the club this summer. According to the Mirror, Solskjaer is ready to offload Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo as part of a summer clear-out at Old Trafford.

The report stated that Solskjaer has been told to trim his squad ahead of a busy summer for the club. The Red Devil’s transfer chief Ed Woodward is expected to back manager Solskjaer immensely in the summer transfer window, but the club wants to reduce their current wage bill before any addition is made. Squad players and players that don’t fit into the long-term plans of the club will be sold or released at the end of their respective contracts.

Phil Jones has made just two Premier League appearances this campaign and is deemed surplus to requirements by the Norwegian tactician. The former Blackburn defender has failed to reach his peak as a combination of inconsistency and fitness issues has largely derailed his development.

Chris Smalling on the other hand was sent on a season long loan to Italian side AS Roma last summer and has impressed in his time with the capital club.

Smalling, 30, has started 21 games for the Italian giants and is expected to sign permanently in the summer. Roma are ready to sign the player permanently, but they are yet to reach an agreement with United who wanted £20 million for the 30-year-old.

Rojo meanwhile is on loan at Argentine side Estudiantes but has made a solitary appearance since leaving in January. He is expected to continue in South America. Botafogo have registered an interest in the player and they are ready to make a move for the player in the summer. Botafogo, who also have former Premier League goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri on their roster, are keen to add Rojo to their playing staff.