Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils eyeing Tottenham ace; club retain interest in Everton star, and more - July 4, 2024
Manchester United won the FA Cup last season but finished eighth in the Premier League. New minority owners INEOS are working to add more quality to the squad before the start of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur full-back Sergio Reguilon. Elsewhere, the Old Trafford outfit remain interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 4, 2024:
Manchester United eyeing Sergio Reguilon
Manchester United have turned their attention to Sergio Reguilon, according to AS. The Spanish left-back spent the first half of last season on loan at Old Trafford but had a mixed time.
Reguilon was brought in from Tottenham Hotspur to cope with the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. The Spaniard registered 12 appearances across competitions for the Red Devils, struggling with injuries, and the club ended his stay at Old Trafford in January.
The 27-year-old's contract with Spurs expires next summer, and he's likely to be on the move this year. Meanwhile, Manchester United remain in the market for a new left-back and are eyeing multiple options for the job.
Reguilon has emerged as a target and could be available for a reduced fee. The Spaniard is no longer part of Ange Postecoglou's plans, and Tottenham want to cash in on him this year. Reguilon could be a fine backup for Shaw in Ten Hag's squad if he stay fit.
Red Devils retain interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United have retained their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils are keen to reinforce their backline, and the Englishman has emerged as a target early in the summer.
Recent reports have suggested that the Old Trafford outfit offered £35 million for the 22-year-old, which was rejected by Everton. The Toffees apparently want £70 million for Branthwaite, and it was believed that Manchester United are eyeing cheaper alternatives.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the Red Devils could return for Branthwaite if Everton reduce their asking price.
“Another name on United’s list, and the only player they have bid for so far, is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
"They’ve had a £35m plus add-ons bid rejected, but for sure their appreciation remains, and it depends on Everton because they still want £65-70m for the player. That’s too expensive for United, but if the price changes, they are ready to attack the situation," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“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."
He concluded:
“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.”
Branthwaite was a first-team regular for the Merseyside club last season, registering 41 appearances across competitions.
Manchester United locked in talks for Matthijs de Ligt, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are locked in talks to bring Matthijs de Ligt to Old Trafford this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Ten Hag has apparently identified his former player as the right person to improve Red Devils' leaky defence.
The Dutch manager enjoyed great success with De Ligt during their time together at Ajax. While the 24-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations since moving to Bayern Munich, he could be a superb addition to Ten Hag's squad.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the Bavarians want €50 million to let De Ligt go.
“De Ligt’s agent Rafaela Pimenta is working on this deal, she is negotiating with Manchester United, and I can guarantee that the contract is not going to be a problem.
"Man United know De Ligt is on a big salary at Bayern, but also that he’s keen on the move and won’t create an issue there, so personal terms are being negotiated and are advancing,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“United will try to be creative in negotiations with Bayern, who want around €50m for De Ligt. United could try offering something more like €35-40m with add-ons to try a different structure of the deal, let’s see if it’s going to be successful.
The Dutch defender could be a stellar replacement for Raphael Varane, who left Old Trafford this summer.