Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils receive Youssouf Fofana boost; club pushing for Bundesliga ace, and more - August 9, 2024
Manchester United are working to add more quality to their roster before the end of the summer. Manager Erik ten Hag has welcomed defender Leny Yoro and striker Joshua Zirzkee this summer and is now working to streamline his squad.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received good news in their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants are eager to secure Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui.
On that note, here's a look at the major Manchester United transfer stories as on August 9, 2024:
Manchester United receive Youssouf Fofana boost
Manchester United have received a boost in their efforts to sign Youssouf Fofana this summer. According to Corriere dello Sport, AC Milan are ready to end their pursuit of the Frenchman.
The 25-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with Monaco but is unlikely to extend his stay. Fofana has been in impressive form for the Ligue 1 giants recently but is now yearning for a new adventure.
His contract situation makes a cut-price deal a possibility this summer, and the Red Devils are interested. Ten Hag is looking for a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who was a shadow of his former self last season.
The Dutchman initially identified Manuel Ugarte as a target this summer, but Paris Saint-Germain are demanding a massive fee to let him go. The situation has forced the Premier League giants to consider alternatives, and Fofana has popped up on their radar.
The Rossoneri were hot on his heels all summer but are now wary of Manchester United's rising interest in the Frenchman. They are unwilling to enter a bidding war with the English side and have identified Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone as an alternative.
Red Devils pushing for Noussair Mazraoui, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are prioritising a move for Noussair Mazraoui, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Moroccan is no longer a first-choice at Bayern Munich and could be allowed to leave this summer.
Ten Hag is looking for a new right-back this summer, with Aaron Wan-Bisska expected to leave. The Dutchman is apparently keen to be reunited with Mazraoui, who played under him at Ajax.
Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are also eyeing Denzel Dumfries. The Dutch right-back has entered the final year of his contract with Inter Milan and could be on the move this summer.
However, on his YouTube channel, Romano said that Mazraoui is the Premier League giants' preferred choice for the role.
“There will be more for Manchester United, because they keep working and keeping contacts active for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
"Despite all the stories on Dumfries, the top priority for Manchester United remains Mazraoui, because he can also play on the left, and because it’s a player already well known by Erik ten Hag,” said Romano.
Mazraoui is apparently keen to move to Old Trafford this summer.
Fabrizio Romano backs Ivan Toney to move this summer
Ivan Toney could be on the move this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Englishman has entered the final year of his contract with Brentford but hasn't signed a new deal yet.
The Bees were previously demanding an exorbitant fee for the 28-year-old but are apparently open now to a cut-price deal. Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are eyeing a move for Toney this summer.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that none of the Englishman's suitors have submitted a concrete offer for the player this year.
“I think there’s still a chance for a move to happen this summer for Ivan Toney. There could be movements in the next days and weeks, but there’s nothing imminent so far," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“We have to see about which clubs have a concrete interest, because about 10 different clubs have been rumoured to be interested in him this summer.
"I don’t want to put out names without any concrete updates, but, for sure, it’s still an open situation.”
The Red Devils have roped in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna to bolster their attack this summer.