Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils receive Matthijs de Ligt boost; club in advanced talks for Serie A ace, and more - July 5, 2024
Manchester United are working to assemble a squad fit enough to compete with the best in the land. Erik ten Hag's team finished eighth in the Premier League last season, so the Dutch manager will be desperate for reinforcements.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received a boost in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer. Elsewhere, the English club are in advanced talks to sign Bologn striker Joshua Zirkzee.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 5, 2024:
Manchester United receive Matthijs de Ligt boost
Matthijs de Ligt is pushing to complete a move to Manchester United this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils are hunting for a new defender this year and have set their sights on the Dutch defender.
Ten Hag is eager to reinforce his defense, which has been weakened by the departure of Raphael Varane. The Dutch manager is well aware of De Ligt's qualities, having worked with the 24-year-old at Ajax.
Bayern Munich are willing to listen to offers for the Dutch defender, who was pegged with injuries in the 2023-24 campaign. Despite his recent struggles, the player's stock remains high, and there's considerable interest in his signature.
However, in his Playback channel, Romano said that De Ligt has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.
“Matthijs de Ligt has told his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, already one week ago that the only club allowed to be in negotiations with him, with his camp, with his agent, is Manchester United.
"Matthijs de Ligt wants to give priority to Manchester United and he wants to go to Manchester United as at Bayer, he is not a regular starter. With the Dutch national team, he is not a regular starter and de Ligt wants to play on a regular basis,” said Romano.
He continued:
“De Ligt wants to find a top club where he can be trusted 100%. De Ligt knows that, at Manchester United, there is Erik ten Hag, who has been in communication with De Ligt.
"Also, let me tell you this, because Ten Hag has been in direct communication with Joshua Zirkzee and in direct communication also with the Matthijs de Ligt.”
Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool are also eyeing the Dutchman.
Red Devils in advanced talks for Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee is in advanced talks regarding a move to Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Dutch striker is a sought-after man this summer, following his exploits with Bologna last summer.
Zirkzee registered 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games across competitions. Ten Hag is keen to sign a new No. 9 this summer to share the goalscoring load with Rasmus Hojlund and has identified the 23-year-old for the job.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs added that AC Milan are also in the race for Zirkzee's services.
“€40 million is seen as an excellent deal, so there's not going to be a problem for Manchester United in negotiating with Bologna.
"It’s all about working out where the player’s preferences lie and establishing the overall cost of the deal. The agent fees, in particular, are very high. They’re somewhere in the region of €8 million," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“So Manchester United need to work out whether that's value, but at this stage, the advanced talks are more focused around where Zirkzee really wants to go, Milan or Manchester United.”
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Dutch striker this summer.
Erik ten Hag extends Old Trafford stay
Erik ten Hag has signed a new contract at Old Trafford, the club have confirmed. The Dutch manager was under pressure following an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
However, he salvaged the season by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final. New minority owners INEOS carried out a lengthy end-of-season review and eventually decided to keep their trust in Ten Hag.
Speaking to the club's website, the Dutchman said that he remains committed to getting the Red Devils back to where they belong.
"I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.
"Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined," said Ten Hag.
He continued:
"However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.
"In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."
Ten Hag's previous contract was due to expire next summer, but he has now signed an extension till 2026.