Man United transfer news recap as Matthijs de Ligt deal 'progressing' (2024)

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Lukaku shock

More from Josh Holland this morning.

Looking at the Lukaku links from last night, he writes:

Now I am surprised that this rumour has emerged. If United fail to land Zirkzee, does Lukaku fit the sort of profile they are looking at? At first glance, no. But the ideal striker would be someone like Lukaku who could be the perfect deputy to Rasmus Hojlund.

A striker who boasts an impressive record in the Premier League, Lukaku is the ideal person to help the Denmark international adjust further in England. Despite a quite decent debut campaign, Hojlund currently has too much pressure on his shoulders, hence the need for a new striker.

However, a move for Lukaku isn't likely to go down well with supporters after his difficult spell last time out.

German wonderkid battle

Man United have joined Juventus in the race to sign highly-rated Borussia Monchengladbach teenager Winsley Boteli.

According to BILD, United have initiated contact with the 17-year-old's entourage. Erik ten Hag's assistant, Mitchell van der Gaag, reportedly made contact with his advisor, Christopher Mandiangu, who know each other well from their time at FC Eindhoven.

Boteli scored 21 goals and assisted a furth four in 23 games for the Under-19 last season.

Zirkzee interest 'strong'

Man United's interest in Joshua Zirkzee is growing stronger, according to reports in Bologna.

The striker, who is currently at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, continues to be one of United's priority targets. Today, Corriere di Bologna have reported that Zirkzee 'seems to be ready to accept' a move to Old Trafford.

Bologna director, Giovanni Satori, has already said there's a 99% chance he'll be sold this summer.

Amrabat hint

United have hinted at a permanent move for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat this summer.

The player was included in the kit launch earlier this week after spending a year on loan at Old Trafford.

He still has 12 months left on his Fiorentina contract but unlike those who left United on June 30 - Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane, most noticeably - Amrabat is still on the club website.

Does it mean anything?!

Kadioglu price

United will have to pay around £35milion for Ferdi Kadioglu if they are to act on reported interest.

The Turkey and Fenerbahce left-back is also a target for Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, with initial stories last month claiming that bids of around £25million had been tabled.

Nothing is over the line for the player just yet though and Kadioglu has been impressing at Euro 2024.

Branthwaite frustration

Jarrad Branthwaite is said to have become frustrated at the lack of movement this summer.

He is reportedly irritated at not having a deal to United get any closer, with things slowing down significantly after an opening bid was rejected.

United have since pivoted to other targets, it seems, and Branthwaite is an afterthought currently.

Branthwaite isn't happy with the situation though, and United haven't yet given up hope of completing a deal later in the window.

OPINION: 'Drastic waste' - Ashworth hint about how United recruitment will change

"With Dan Ashworth having started work after an end to four months of negotiations with Newcastle, United can begin to redraw their structure when it comes to decisions around transfers. The idea will be to give Erik ten Hag less power than he has had in his first two summer windows. Under the Glazer regime, with a chief executive focused on commercial success in Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough, Ten Hag guided the decision-making and took on a bigger role when it came to transfers, with United restructuring their scouting and recruitment operation. There have been hits and misses for Ten Hag in the market, but Ashworh has a reputation for shrewd recruitment and will take on a major role, although as sporting director his job is far more wide-reaching than just transfers. At Brighton, he was technical director and let head of recruitment Paul Winstanley generally guide the way on deals. "

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.

Toney lauds Mainoo

England striker Ivan Toney has lauded United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the Three Lions' European Championship quarter-final against Switzerland this weekend.

England will take on the Swiss on Saturday evening after a dramatic last-16 win over Slovakia on Sunday, inspired by a stunning late goal from Jude Bellingham. Mainoo made his first start of the tournament against Slovakia, replacing Conor Gallagher in midfield.

Toney told the media:

"Everybody knows his qualities. For club football, he's played a massive part of the season. he carries himself so well on the pitch. He doesn't one bit look out of place and has a bright future ahead of him."

Maguire exit a 'strong possibility' this summer

Selling Harry Maguire is a 'strong possibility' for United this summer, according to a report by TEAMtalk.

United have already said goodbye to Raphael Varane and are expected to oversee the exit of another centre-back this summer. It is understood that one of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will be sold.

Lindelof has entered the final year of his current deal, as has Maguire, but the latter has an option within his current deal that could see his stay extended by a further 12 months.

It is claimed that United are 'willing' to let Maguire go for the right price.

Why United are making staff redundant

United are making 250 staff redundant after a cost-cutting review found that the employee count and the structure of the club wasn't being reflected in performance.

Staff were told earlier today that 250 of them will lose their jobs. It is understood they were informed via email.

United insist they need 'significant transformation' to meet new financial regulations and challenges.

Click here to find out more.

OPINION: United have £21m transfer lined up to fulfil Ten Hag objective

"Despite making 30 appearances over the duration of his loan spell, it was not until the end of the season that the Moroccan started to produce his best levels. He started each of United's last four games, including the FA Cup final, in which he produced an outstanding display to significantly contribute to the Reds' tactical plan to overcome their cross-city rivals. He shielded the back-four expertly, providing United with the defensive nous they desperately needed in midfield. Up until his mini run of renaissance at the end of the campaign, votes to keep Sofyan Amrabat beyond the end of his loan spell would have been minimal, whereas now they would be more forthcoming."

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.

United in 'three-way battle' to sign Turkish international

According to Turkish outlet Haber 3, United are in a 'three-way battle' to sign Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz.

The 24-year-old, who started Turkey's impressive 2-1 win over Austria in the last-16 of the European Championship on Tuesday night, is also said to be attracting 'interest' from Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The winger played 55 times for Galatasaray in 2023/24, scoring seven goals and registering 12 assists.

'Talks ongoing' for Greenwood and Sancho exits

Talks are 'ongoing with multiple clubs' in Germany and Italy over deals for United duo Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho, according to Sky Sports.

Both players are expected to be offloaded United permanently this summer after spending periods out of time out on loan last season. Greenwood spent the duration of the 2023/24 campaign at Getafe while Sancho spent the second half of the season at Borussia Dortmund.

United 'extremely confident' of signing Zirkzee

According to a report by TEAMtalk, United are 'extremely confident' of signing Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

The striker is currently being heavily linked with a move to M16 as they draw up plans to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the start of the new season.

Zirkzee, 23, scored 12 goals in 37 matches for Bologna last season.

United's move for De Ligt 'progressing quickly'

According to i News, United's move for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is 'progressing quickly'.

United are understood to be hopeful of striking a deal with Bayern to sign the £42million-rated Dutchman.

However, the latest report states United and Bayern have 'begun talks over a cut-price £34m deal'. The report adds that United aim to get it completed 'swiftly'.

United deal for Joshua Zirkzee could cost more than release clause

United's hopes of signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee could cost them more than the price of his £33million release clause.

The Dutchman is being strongly linked with a move to M16 as the club plans to strengthen its forward options. He also has interest from AC Milan.

However, the agents fees involved in the deal could see United having to pay up to £46m to secure his services.

Click here to read more.

OPINION: De Ligt would be a transfer nine years in the making at United

"Matthijs de Ligt is still only 24 and far from a write-off. He offers longevity, is familiar with the manager's methods and has good pedigree at club and international level. De Ligt has competed in more Champions League semi-finals than United have in 15 years and his attributes represent an upgrade on the potentially outgoing Victor Lindelof, if not Raphael Varane. Perhaps it is an unfortunate coincidence Juventus and Bayern's dominance eroded shortly after they signed De Ligt. Juve have not won the Scudetto since De Ligt's first season and Bayern's Bundesliga hegemony ended in his second."

Click here to read more from chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst.

Galatasaray 'in contact' to sign Wan-Bissaka as they 'eye' McTominay

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Galatasaray are 'in contact' with Aaron Wan-Bissaka's representatives about a summer move to the Turkish club.

Wan-Bissaka has entered the final 12 months of his current deal, meaning United's best chance of cashing-in on him and securing a respectable transfer fee would be this summer.

It is reported that United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is 'standing firm' on the defender's valuation, pricing him at £17million.

The report adds that Galatasaray have also 'identified' midfielder Scott McTominay as a target.

United 'express interest' in Reguilon

United have 'expressed interest' in re-signing Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon, according to Spanish news outlet AS.

According to the report, United have joined Premier Legaue rivals West Ham United in 'expressing interest' in the Spaniard, who spent time on loan at Old Trafford last season.

He was signed right at the very end of the summer transfer window as emergency cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. He left Old Trafford in January and was sent out on loan again by Spurs, joining Brentford for the second half of the campaign.

He made just 12 appearances during his spell at United.

Live updates as 250 United staff face redundancy

It is understood that 250 United staff members are at risk of redundancy.

Club staff were informed of the cull on Wednesday and employees remain in the dark as to who will lose their jobs.

You can follow regular updates on the situation by clicking here.

250 United employees face redundancy

United will cut their workforce by nearly a quarter, with 250 employees due to be made redundant.

Club staff were informed of the cull earlier today and employees remain in the dark as to who will lose their jobs.

"No one knows yet (who will be made redundant). It is really sad." United have been approached for comment.

Click here to read more.

OPINION: 'I wasn't enjoying it' - United star must decide his own future amid transfer rumours

"Despite those mediocre returns last term, United want to keep Marcus Rashford, who is one year into a five-year deal on £325,000 a week. But working on what went wrong last season is essential to returning the forward to his best level. Did that contract lead to a slackening off, even subconsciously? Is Rashford's relationship with Ten Hag beyond repair? Then there's the fractious relationship with the United support. They desperately want one of their own to succeed, but feel the frustrations more when a United fan with that talent isn't delivering on it. Any sense he is coasting is met with resentment."

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.

Saudi clubs have 'strong interest' in Casemiro

Saudi Arabian clubs retain 'strong interest' in United midfielder Casemiro, according to Sky Sports.

The Brazilian is one of several players who could be offloaded by United this summer to raise funds for new additions. Despite enjoying a terrific debut season at Old Trafford in 2022/23, he regressed at an alarming rate last season.

United plan to beef up their midfield options this summer with fresh blood.

United to make 'almost a quarter of staff redundant' - reports

According to a report by the Mail, United are going to make 'almost a quarter of its workforce redundant'.

It is reported that a 'series of meetings' took place on Wednesday morning and staff were given 'bombshell news' that up to 250 of the club's 1,100 employees will lose their jobs.

It is claimed that a a wide-scale cost review was commissioned and 'recommended that cuts should be made across all departments'.

Ten Hag 'keen' on Rabiot after Juventus contract expires

United manager Erik ten Hag is 'keen' on signing French international Adrien Rabiot, according to a report by CaughtOffside.

The defensive midfielder is currently a free agent after his contract at Juventus expired on Sunday. He was on United's radar two years ago and a move collapsed because of his wage demands.

He is currently being linked with a wealth of clubs and it is claimed that Ten Hag is an 'admirer' of the 29-year-old. The report states that United also 'appreciate' him.

Cole shares De Ligt concern

Former United striker Andy Cole isn't so sure on some of the questions around De Ligt possibly moving to Old Trafford.

He told Betfred:

"I like him but the thing I don't understand about him is why is he always moving? That's what I don't get. He did three years at Juventus and about two years at Bayern, so what I'm now thinking is if he is such a good player, why would the club want to sell him? I think he's a good player, but you've got to start questioning why everyone keeps selling him. He's only 24-years-old, so I'd like to think that his best years are still in front of him, so it's an interesting one. I wouldn’t say that Bayern Munich needs the money, but let's see if it happens."

OPINION: United might still have a role in their best XI for forgotten man

"Erik ten Hag was misguided in plumping for Mason Mount to bring dynamism to the midfield but it was a signing of convenience. Mount had entered the final year of his contract at Chelsea. United were regularly piqued by coverage of the club last season but can be economical with the truth themselves, such as when Mount was billed as a first-choice target. They would have rather had Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice or Frenkie de Jong. £55million up front for a 24-year-old England attacking midfielder and veteran of European Championship, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and World Club Cup finals was not extortionate and United spun the deal as a negotiation success. Then-football director John Murtough "held the line" during discussions. Hook, line and sinker. Chelsea were the only winners in the sale of an injury-prone player running down his contract."

Click here to read more from chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst.

United 'could make' fresh Branthwaite bid

According to a report by the Mail, United 'could make' a fresh bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Identified as one of their top targets this summer, United saw an opening bid for the England international knocked back last month. However, it is reported they have not given up hope of bringing him to Old Trafford, despite now focusing on Matthijs de Ligt.

United could sign two centre-backs this summer and it is reported they are now 'weighing up' an improved bid for Branthwaite.

Lindelof and Maguire exits

Fabrizio Romano says United will be open to offers for both centre-backs this summer.

He said:

"Even with De Ligt potentially joining, it's also a possibility for United to go for one more centre-back. It depends on the budget and opportunities but it’s a possibility. In terms of the future of players like Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and many others, it depends on proposals, if they receive good bids. But in general, one more centre-back is a possibility – Branthwaite remains on the list but Man United have no plans to pay £70m, so the only way is if Everton’s price drops."