Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils eyeing Wolves star; club legend set to return, and more - June 24, 2024
Manchester United have decided to keep their faith in Erik ten Hag despite an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. The Dutchman won the FA Cup but could only manage an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have set their sights on Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Max Kilman. Elsewhere, Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to Old Trafford, albeit in a non-playing capacity.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 24, 2024:
Manchester United eyeing Max Kilman, says journalist
Manchester United have their eyes on Max Kilman, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. Ten Hag is expected to add more steel to his backline after parting ways with Raphael Varane this summer.
The manager had previously identified Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as an option. However, the 21-year-old's price tag may have forced Ten Hag to consider alternate options.
Kilman was rock-solid at the back for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 44 appearances across competitions. His efforts have apparently earned him admirers at Old Trafford as well as West Ham United
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs added that the Hammers might not be able to afford the 27-year-old's £45 million price tag.
"I would keep an eye on Max Kilman, who Manchester United have discussed since April.
"Even though the expectation is that if he departs, it could be for West Ham and a reunion with Julian Lopetegui, the number that Wolves would sell for could be too much for West Ham, because I'm told that Wolves don't want to lose their captain, but if they do, it's going to be for around £45m," said Jacobs.
He continued:
"And it may be that West Ham walk away at that kind of number, opening the door potentially for Manchester United."
Kilman is under contract at the Molineux till 2028.
Ruud van Nistelrooy set for Old Trafford return
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to join Ten Hag's coaching team at Old Trafford, according to journalist Maarten Wijffels. The legendary striker had a short but successful stint as PSV Eindhoven manager, winning the 2023 Johan Cruyff Shield and the 2022-23 KNVB Cup.
Recent reports have suggested that he's the frontrunner for the Burnley job. However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has said that Nistelrooy has been approached with an offer to join Ten Hag's team this summer. Wijffels has now added that the legendary striker has decided to return to his former hunting ground.
Manchester United have struggled in front of goal recently, and reports suggest that the striker's coach Benny McCarthy is likely to leave. Nistelrooy could be handed that role, but he could be offered alternate responsibilities as well.
The former striker's arrival could be a major boost for young talents like Rasmus Hojlund, who has blown hot and cold since arriving last summer. Marcus Rashford has also struggled for form, so Nistelrooy could help him regain his mojo.
Red Devils yet to strike Joshua Zirkzee deal, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are yet to reach an agreement with Bologna for Joshua Zirkzee, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Dutch forward has become a much sought-after man this summer after a fruitful 2023-24 campaign with Bologna.
Zirkzee registered 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games across competitions. Arsenal and AC Milan are already hot on his heels, but reports have suggested that the Red Devils have taken the lead in the race for the 23-year-old.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that Manchester United are yet to submit an offer for Zirkzee.
“For Zirkzee, they took information in recent weeks, informed on release clause, the value of the clause, every single detail," said Romano.
He continued:
“But at the moment, Manchester United have still not communicated with Bologna, have still not informed Bologna of their will to trigger the release clause so despite the reports we had in recent days, we still have to wait and see when and how Manchester United will move on the Joshua Zirkzee story.
He concluded:
“At the moment, they are still not in the process of completing this signing, they are still in early stages.”
Zirkzee could be a fine strike partner for Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford.