Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils close to Leny Yoro deal; Sofyan Amrabat eager to return, and more - July 17, 2024
Manchester United are working to restore their past glory under new minority owners INEOS. Manager Erik ten Hag has roped in Joshua Zirkzee this summer but remains eager for more additions.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are close to getting their hands on Lille centre-back Leny Yoro. Elsewhere, Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is eager to return to Old Trafford, where he was on loan last season.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 17, 2024:
Manchester United close to Leny Yoro deal
Manchester United are edging closer to a deal for Leny Yoro, according to acclaimed transfer expert David Ornstein. The Red Devils are eager to reinforce their backline this summer following Raphael Varane's departure.
Ten Hag is in talks for a reunion with Matthijs de Ligt, whose future at Bayern Munich remains uncertain. However, recent reports have suggested that the Premier League giants have made Yoro a priority this summer.
The Frenchman exploded into the scenes at Lille last season, registering 44 appearances across competitions, including 40 starts. However, the player's contract expires in 2025, gut he hasn't signed a new deal.
Real Madrid are also hot on the heels of the Frenchman, but their reluctance to match Lille's asking price has opened the door for Manchester United. The English giants have reportedly agreed a €62 million deal with the Ligue 1 side, which include €50 million up front and the rest in add-ons.
The Red Devils have been working to convince Yoro - who previously wanted to move to the Santiago Bernabeu - and it appears that their efforts have borne fruit. Ornstein reports that the 18-year-old is on his way to the UK to have his medical and finalise personal terms with United.
There's still some work left to be done, but the deal appears to be getting closer to completion.
Sofyan Amrabat eager to return
Sofyan Amrabat has his heart set on a move to Manchester United this summer, according to Manchester Evening News. The Moroccan midfielder had a mixed time on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina last season.
Amrabat registered 30 appearances across competitions, failing to hold on to a first-team place. However, he finished the season in good form and was outstanding in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The Red Devils had an option to sign him permanently this summer, which they opted not to exercise. However, they are reportedly open to a move, especially as Casemiro looks likely to leave.
The 27-year-old is also keen for a permanent stay with Manchester United and wants to return to the Premier League. Amrabat's contract with the Serie A club expires next year, but he's not considering a stay. The Moroccan has been absent from the club's pre-season training as he looks to make an exit.
Harry Maguire happy at Old Trafford, says Fabrizio Romano
Harry Maguire remains settled at Manchester United, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English defender is no longer first-choice under Ten Hag and remains heavily linked with an exit this summer.
The Red Devils are already closing in on moves for De Ligt and Yoro. Maguire is likely to drop further down the pecking order next season, so he could be open to a departure as well.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that Manchester United are not pushing to offload the 31-year-old.
“The situation is quiet regarding Harry Maguire now, no changes. Maguire remains happy at Man United, and they’re not desperate to sell him.
"If a good proposal arrives, he could leave in case he wants to. Otherwise, they’d continue together as happened this season. Nothing is concrete now in terms of talks or negotiations,” wrote Romano.
West Ham United were interested in the Englishman last season but haven't made a move this year.