Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils offer £34m for La Liga star; club receive Matthijs de Ligt boost, and more - July 3, 2024
Manchester United are preparing to reclaim their heyday next season after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. Dan Ashworth was recently unveiled as the new sporting director, and the Englishman is working to make the most of the summer.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have set their sights on Girona full-back Miguel Gutierrez. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants have received some good news in their plans to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 3, 2024:
Manchester United offer £34 million for Miguel Gutierrez
Manchester United are ready to offer £34 million for the services of Miguel Gutierrez, according to Football 365. The Red Devils suffered due to Luke Shaw's injuries in the 2023-24 campaign. His backup, Tyrell Malacia, spent the entire season on the sidelines.
Ten Hag had to rely on makeshift arrangements for the left-back position and is desperate to solve the issue. Gutierrez has been identified as the ideal candidate for the job, following a fine campaign with Girona. He registered two goals and seven assists in 35 games across competitions, turning heads across the continent.
Interestingly, Real Madrid have a €8 million buy back clause in the 22-year-old's deal, which they are working to utilise this summer. However, Los Blancos plan to immediately let him go, as they are pursuing Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies for the position.
There's considerable interest in the Spaniard, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund also in the race. However, Manchester United are the favourites for Gutierrez's services and have agreed to pay Real Madrid's asking price for the player.
Red Devils receive Matthijs de Ligt boost
Matthijs de Ligt is willing to take a pay cut to secure a move to Old Trafford this summer, according to German journalist Christopher Michel. The Dutch defender has emerged as a target for Ten Hag, who wants him to take Raphael Varane's place .
The French defender left Manchester United this summer, so the club are eager to bring in a replacement. They have considered multiple candidates for the job, including Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo, before zeroing in on De Ligt.
The 24-year-old appeared 30 times across competitions for Bayern Munich in the 2023-24 season. However, the Bavarians are apparently ready to let him go this summer, amid concerns about his fitness.
The German giants want €50 million for the Dutchman, and the Red Devils are interested. However, De Ligt earns €15 million per year at the Allianz Arena, and the English club are only offering him €12 million.
It now appears that the 24-year-old could be willing to reduce his salaryto script a reunion with Ten Hag. The two of them had enjoyed a great run together at Ajax.
Manchester United in no hurry to sign Joshua Zirkzee, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are taking their time to come to a decision regarding Joshua Zirkzee, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Dutch striker has caught the attention of clubs across Europe following an impressive season with Bologna.
Zirkzee registered 12 goals and set up seven in 37 games across competitions. The player reportedly has a £34 million release clause in his deal and is also wanted at AC Milan.
Recent reports, though, have suggested that the Red Devils are the favourites to lap up the 23-year-old this summer. Ten Hag spent a small fortune on Rasmus Hojlund last summer but wants to add competition to his squad before the new season.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that the Premier League giants want to do their homework before moving for the Dutch striker.
"For Joshua Zirkzee, it's different, because Manchester United already two weeks ago made contact with people close to the player to understand how the deal works," said Romano.
He continued:
"So how long is the release clause valid for this summer? It's until mid-August, so they still have plenty of time in case they want to activate the release clause for €40million.
"They wanted to understand the conditions of the deal on the player's side, so it's about the salary and it's about the commission."
Zirkzee could be a fine replacement for Anthony Martial, who left Old Trafford this summer.