Manchester United’s transfer plans are pretty clear as they now move towards making two key summer signings. For Erik ten Hag it comes at an ideal time.
Not only is the distraction of Euro 2024 almost over, but pre-season is just around the corner and preparatory work has already begun. In Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ first summer in charge of the sporting side of the club, things are happening quickly.
United have now verbally agreed personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt, MEN Sport understands, but business is not done there. Despite a £42million deal not being far away with Bayern Munich over a move for the 24-year-old, and this being a sizable chunk of the available budget, there is still more to be done.
READ MORE: Man United Ivan Toney transfer dream scenario now possible after exit confirmed
READ MORE: Man United one step from unleashing Mason Mount with dream transfer after ‘£38m bid’
Having had an initial bid for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected, something that sparked the push for De Ligt in the first place as values between United and Everton remained far apart, negotiations are back on. The club have since made a second offer for the English centre-back worth £45million plus another £5million in add-ons. In total it is around £7million more than the first approach but is still far too little.
Everton are demanding at least £70million for the England international and they value him on a par with Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, who have set the precedent for young defenders making big Premier League moves in recent years. United have set their stall out.
When De Ligt is complete, and presumably in the background as talks continue, they will be working on centre-back targets. Having already seen Raphael Varane leave the club and exits for Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire a possibility, plus the uncertainty over Jonny Evans’ role next season, United have a priority position.
Leny Yoro is also a big target and MEN Sport understands that an offer for the teenager has been accepted worth around £55million. It leaves the club with three realistic centre-back prospects all coming in, something that the decision-makers are open to doing.
But it is evidently not just at the back that United are planning for change. As well as the aforementioned departures, Jadon Sancho is expected to find himself on his way this summer and after he didn’t report for training at Carrington on Monday, things will likely ramp up in regards to getting him a new club.
Crunch talks with Marcus Rashford are also on the cards as a big few months for the forward await. Both players will need serious attention in the short-term to determine what comes next, while a possible replacement up front is Joshua Zirkzee. MEN Sport understands that a deal is progressing between United and Bologna at this stage.
There is once again hope that a transfer worth around £33million (but that could increase to £46million with agents’ fees) is in the pipeline. It appears to be bubbling along in the background with Bologna already resigned to losing their man.
This all points towards United having plenty to be getting on with even once De Ligt arrives, as appears increasingly likely. What takes priority is less certain, with the midfield also in need of addressing given the injury issues last season and Sofyan Amrabat’s loan ending.
Whatever happens at Old Trafford between now and the end of August, it’s not going to be dull.
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
