The transfer window is sparking into life as numerous deals have been completed over the weekend and at the start of the week.
Manchester United have been linked with several players as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign. The club have now confirmed the appointment of former Newcastle United man Dan Ashworth as technical director.
The arrival is part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul at the club following his purchase of a minority stake at the end of last year. There also look to be changes to Ten Hag’s backroom staff with the expected additions of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
As the transfer window gets busier, so do the reports surrounding the business that United may do. With that in mind, MEN Sport have taken a look at a couple of the biggest stories around and given our own thoughts.
Matthijs de Ligt price revealed
Bayern Munich have set an asking price of €50 million (£42.5m) plus bonuses for Matthijs de Ligt amid United’s interest, according to Sky Sports Germany.
United have been heavily linked with the defender over the last few days and are said to have made contact with both the player and Bayern. There has, however, been no official offer from the club – yet.
De Ligt has worked with Erik ten Hag before during the duo’s time at Ajax. De Ligt is said to be on of the United boss’ top targets this window.
The fact that Bayern are open to a sale is promising, and the £42.5 million asking price is significantly lower than what the club will have to pay for Everton defender Jarred Branthwaite. If United want to do both deals is still to be seen, but de Ligt would be a good alternative if not.
Shock swap deal for Osimhen
Manchester United have made a shock swap proposal that includes Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli as part of a move for Victor Osimhem, according to reports in Italy.
La Repubblica report that United are willing to offer the Danish international as part of a deal to sign Osimhen ahead of their rivals this season. The striker has been linked with several clubs and has a release clause of around £110 million in his contract.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte admitted last week that the club had an agreement with the striker over letting him go if the right offer comes in. It’s not the first time that United have been linked with an interest with the club said to have been looking at the Nigeria international last summer.
United are keen to sign another striker this summer, but it is to provide help and competition to Hojlund instead of replacing him. Having spent £72 million on the the forward just a year ago, the move seems unlikely.
