Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils eyeing Monaco ace, club interested in Vanderson, and more - July 23, 2024
Manchester United have already signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer. Erik ten Hag is eyeing further reinforcements this year as he works to help the club regain their former glory.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in a Monaco midfielder. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants are considering a move for Vanderson this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from July 23, 2024.
Manchester United eyeing Youssouf Fofana
Manchester United have identified Youssouf Fofana as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte, according to Caught Offside. The Red Devils are hot on the heels of the Uruguayan midfielder, who has been identified as a possible replacement for Casemiro.
The Premier League giants have reportedly agreed personal terms with Ugarte, who will be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer. However, the Ligue 1 champions are likely to demand a premium fee for the 23-year-old.
Fofana has emerged as a cheaper alternative for Erik ten Hag, and the Dutchman could move for the player if he fails to sign Ugarte. The Frenchman has been quite impressive for Monaco in recent times, registering 35 appearances across competitions last season.
The 25-year-old's contract expires in 2025 and he could be available for just €20m this summer. AC Milan were previously interested in Fofana, but their €12m proposal was turned down by the Ligue 1 club. The Serie A giants are unlikely to offer the quoted amount for the Frenchman, which could open the door for Manchester United to take advantage.
Red Devils interested in Vanderson
Manchester United have set their sights on Vanderson, according to Sky Sports. Erik ten Hag could consider a new right-back if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves this summer.
The Englishman has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and hasn't been offered a new deal yet. The 26-year-old is no longer a first team regular for the Red Devils and is wanted by West Ham United.
Ten Hag is willing to let Wan-Bissaka go this summer, and has already identified Vanderson as his replacement. The 23-year-old registered three goals and one assist from 23 games across competitions last season for Monaco.
Tottenham Hotspur are already keeping a close watch on the Brazilian and Manchester United have now joined the fray. Vanderson's attacking prowess could make him an upgrade on Wan-Bissaka, and prising him away from Stade Louis II is unlikely to pose a challenge.
The player is under contract with the French side until 2028. The Red Devils could raise enough money from the Englishman's sale to afford a move for the Brazilian. Interestingly, the Premier League giants also have their eyes on Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong for the job.
Manchester United not in talks to sign Adrien Rabiot, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are not in talks to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French midfielder is attracting attention from multiple clubs across the continent after parting ways with Juventus as a free agent.
The Red Devils are also in the market for a new midfielder this summer, and have been linked with a move for Rabiot. Erik ten Hag has already invested heavily on Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee so far, and there are plans for further reinforcements.
Rabiot's availability as a free agent makes him an enticing option for the Premier League giants. Recent reports have suggested that the player is willing to move to Old Trafford this summer.
However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that Manchester United are yet to initiate talks to sign the 29-year-old.
"As of today, I'm not aware of an advanced negotiation between Man United and Rabiot. The player will be keen on moving to the Premier League, and Man United are aware of this opportunity. But at the moment, there's still nothing close or at the final stage," said Romano.
He continued:
"We will keep a close eye on Rabiot, but obviously guys, when a player is a free agent, everything can really change fast. On the market, a player can agree on terms in one afternoon and then sign the contract. So things can be very fast, but at the moment, we are still not in the advanced stages between Adrien Rabiot and Man United, but he is giving priority to Premier League football - his biggest dream."
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid and Barcelona also have their eyes on Rabiot.