Manchester United are finally kicking into gear in the summer transfer window with two Netherlands internationals closing in on a move to Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt appear to be the likely two first arrivals at United this window following weeks of speculation and negotiations. Dan Ashworth’s arrival has come at the right time and the appointment of Christopher Vivell means the Red Devils are in prime position to make improvements to the squad.
As well as the two Dutch raids, United continue to be linked with a list of players. Over the weekend, Desire Doue, Joao Neves and Manuel Ugarte have been mentioned in the rumour mill.
Leny Yoro swoop
Manchester United are ‘actively pursuing’ Lille teenage sensation Leny Yoro, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The centre-back has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Real Madrid since emerging into the Lille first-team.
A move to Spain has always been his preferred move but the report claims that United remain keen on signing him. With Matthijs de Ligt close to sealing a move to Old Trafford, another centre-back is being considered.
Jarrad Branthwaite remains a real option for United but there hasn’t been any movement in that pursuit since Everton turned down their first bid.
MEN Sport says: Yoro is one of Europe’s most exciting central defenders and the market of ‘wonderkids’ is one that United haven’t invested in much over the years. Clubs all around them have been acquiring Europe’s hottest talents before their peak and benefited. United would be doing this with Yoro.
The centre-back position is clearly a priority for Ten Hag. De Ligt’s signing adds experience and quality to the ranks for Yoro would offer something different. A player hungry to grow into his potential with the flexibility to cover for Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt would be the perfect deal.
Jeremie Frimpong decision
Zirkzee and De Ligt are two Netherlands internationals close to a move to the red side of Manchester. Jeremie Frimpong is another Dutchman linked with a move to Old Trafford but Liverpool are said to be growing in confidence of signing him.
According to SPORT BILD, Arne Slot’s men have shown interest in the wing-back. The report from Germany claims that Bayer Leverkusen could be open to selling him for as little as £34m this summer.
Should Liverpool win the race for his signature, it would leave United missing out on one of their targets they have tracked for some time.
MEN Sport says: Would United missing out on Frimpong be such a bad thing? First of all, Diogo Dalot has proved himself and earned his spot in Ten Hag’s squad as the first-choice right-back. However with Aaron Wan-Bisaaka supposedly close to a move away and Luke Shaw’s consistent injuries, the Portuguese is the ideal cover on the left.
If the report is to be believed and Leverkusen would accept just over £30m for Frimpong, then surely it’s a no-brainer? An offensive wing-back who would add a different dimension to Ten Hag’s team.
Should they decide against moving for Frimpong and then Liverpool give Slot what he wants, it could be unforgivable for United.