Manchester United line up three potential replacements for midfield star who is attracting multiple transfer interest - Reports
Following the acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United are looking to further strengthen their squad with a new midfielder. As part of the pursuit, they are also anticipating offers for Christian Eriksen, who could depart after spending two years with the club.
According to Sky Sports, the decision to sign a new midfielder could hinge on outgoing transfers, with Eriksen potentially being the player United might choose to move on from. Eriksen, who is currently seen as a backup option for Erik ten Hag, is attracting interest from several clubs, with his contract set to expire next summer.
United have identified three potential replacements for the Dane, starting with long-time transfer target Manuel Ugarte, who is nearing a move away from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United and PSG are still negotiating the fee, with agent Jorge Mendes leading the discussions. While United remain hesitant to meet the €60 million asking price, the French club may lower the fee now that they have signed a replacement in Joao Neves.
If they are unable to secure their primary target, the Red Devils have a couple of alternative options. The first is Burnley’s Sander Berge, who is considered a more affordable choice. The Championship side are asking for £30 million for the Norwegian, but United are reportedly aiming to negotiate a deal for £23 million.
Another potential option is a familiar one, Sofyan Amrabat, who was on loan at the club last season. A purchase option was included in the agreement with Fiorentina, but United are looking to reduce the price to secure the 27-year-old permanently.
Erik ten Hag discusses Manchester United’s transfers
Manchester United have certainly been active in the transfer market this summer. They began by signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and then added Lille’s talented defender Lenny Yoro, successfully fending off competition from Real Madrid.
They have further strengthened their defense with the additions of de Ligt and Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for a combined reported fee of £60 million. In terms of departures, both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Greenwood have left the club, with a few more exits expected.
Regarding potential future signings, Erik ten Hag emphasized that the timing of acquisitions is crucial, though he did not entirely rule out the possibility of making additional signings.
Speaking ahead of the Community Shield match against Manchester City, ten Hag said:
“You see the market is quite quiet still but we have done our business, we have done two deals. It is about timings and it is about the market options and [ensuring] in the right moment we do the right things.” (via Mirror)
The Red Devils will now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they are scheduled to face Fulham on Friday, August 16.