Manchester United have endured a very busy start to the summer transfer window, and it’s only going to get busier for Erik ten Hag. Though Ineos making a final manager decision took up some time, United have been active since it was revealed Ten Hag would be continuing as the club’s head coach.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been the main name linked to an Old Trafford switch with Benfica starlet Joao Neves as another. Unfortunately for United though, they would likely have to fork out £170million to sign both and that appears unlikely given Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s strict stance on new signings.
With that in mind, it looks as though United have turned their attention elsewhere with cheaper alternatives identified. Contact for Joshua Zirkzee, who has a £34million release clause in his Bologna contract, and Matthijs de Ligt has already been made while interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte has stepped up recently.
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International tournaments are the current priority for most though, with Neves, De Ligt and Zirkzee at Euro 2024, representing Portugal and the Netherlands respectively. Ugarte meanwhile, has been a key figure in Uruguay’s midfield that has seen them make a strong start to Copa America which could see his reported £51million price tag increase.
While early discussions had begun for the likes of Zirkzee, Ugarte and De Ligt, United could not make anything official until Monday, July 1 at the earliest. Although the Premier League transfer window opened over two weeks ago, the trading period in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal remained closed until the start of July.
With that date now arriving, United can activate plans and it appears as though that has been done already for one player. According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, United are now in contact with Bayern over a permanent transfer of De Ligt with the German giants prepared to sell for €50million (£42m).
This major update does not only apply to potential incomings though, with exits abroad for players to raise funds now able to be completed. Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood are both expected to move on permanently this summer with interest strong in the duo.
Juventus recently switched their focus from Greenwood to Sancho with United said to be demanding £40million for the latter. Greenwood meanwhile, has been linked with a move to Spain, Italy and France as Marseille are the latest club to make a move for the £30m-rated attacker.
United selling either of those players at the aforementioned prices could go a long way to sealing further marquee deals down the line with Branthwaite and Neves still of interest.
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