Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils eyeing Atalanta star, club cool Frenkie de Jong interest, and more - August 16, 2024
Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16, in the Premier League. Joshua Zirzkee came off the bench to score the only goal of the game in his debut for Erik ten Hag's side.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in a Brazilian midfielder who plays for Atalanta. Elsewhere, the English giants are no longer pushing to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 16, 2024.
Manchester United eyeing Ederson Dos Santos
Manchester United have set their sights on Ederson Dos Santos, according to AS. Erik ten Hag has invested heavily in his squad this summer, reinforcing his backline as well as his attack. The Dutch manager is now planning to add more quality to the middle of the park, with a new defensive midfielder on his agenda.
Casemiro's future at Old Trafford remains up in the air, and recent reports have suggested that the Premier League giants have identified Manuel Ugarte as his replacement.
However, prising the Uruguayan away from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is proving to be a complicated affair. Ten Hag is seeking alternatives in the market and has found his man in Ederson. The 25-year-old is valued at €60m by Atalanta and is also wanted by Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.
The Red Devils are better placed, financially, to win the race for the Brazilian. Their cordial relationship with the Serie A side could also work in their favor.
Red Devils cool Frenkie de Jong interest
Manchester United have decided to end their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to Metro. The Dutch midfielder is a long-term target for Erik ten Hag, who also tried to sign his countryman in 2022.
De Jong turned down a move that year, but the Premier League giants have maintained their interest in the player. Ten Hag is looking to bring in a new face to pull the strings from midfield, and the 27-year-old is apparently his preferred choice.
However, it now appears that the Red Devils have shelved their plans to sign him this summer. Manchester United could have been put off by Barcelona's steep asking price, while the player's exorbitant wages could also have been a problem.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo could also have convinced Ten Hag to seek a different profile for the middle of the park.
Erik ten Hag wants another striker, says journalist
Erik ten Hag could move for another striker despite already investing in Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford from Bologna last month and has registered a blockbuster start to life under Ten Hag.
The Dutch manager also has Rasmus Hojlund in his ranks. However, the Danish forward is currently sidelined with a knock, fueling talks of another attacking addition.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs insisted that Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin are on Ten Hag's radar.
"Yeah, I think Manchester United could move for another striker. They've not also ruled out Ivan Toney or a candidate like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but it's just about cost and timing at this stage," said Jacobs.
"So Calvert-Lewin and his price presents itself as a bit of an issue, and the player also - as Newcastle United found out - wants relatively lucrative terms. They are well within Manchester United's wage structure, but they have to decide whether or not a profile like that is something they want to go for when they've got a lot of faith in Zirkzee and in Rasmus Hojlund," he continued.
Jacobs added that the Red Devils are likely to target a player who could take on a squad role at Old Trafford.
"Even though Hojlund is injured, it's possible that the kind of name Manchester United look for - if they bring in another striker - is going to have more experience and take on a squad role as Manchester United encourage Zirkzee and Hojlund to thrive and improve season upon season," said Jacobs.
"Calvert-Lewin wants to play every single week, so in the end that one might not be a fit, but they've certainly discussed him as a possibility," he added.
Calvert-Lewin has entered the final year of his contract at Goodison Park and could be available for a reduced fee.