Man Utd in talks with key transfer target as FOUR set to be axed

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Apr 2023 13:47 BST
• 3 min read

The Erik ten Hag revolution continues apace at Manchester United, and the summer's transfer plans are beginning to take shape.

The Dutchman has been a breath of fresh air at Old Trafford, revitalising United and making them one of the Premier League's better sides again. Nevertheless, much work still needs to be done before the Red Devils can get back to challenging for league titles and Champions Leagues.

Indeed, the club's now-vanquished 'banter era' has left its mark on the squad and there is plenty of dead weight that needs to be offloaded, while more quality also has to arrive. The former will be achieved by selling several players, particularly in the defensive department. According to the Manchester Evening News, the departures of four defenders will be arranged this summer.

Those players are Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams. Bailly has spent the campaign out on loan at Marseille and his move will be made permanent if the French side qualify for the Champions League - even though they reportedly aren't keen to keep him.

READ: Man Utd and Liverpool target ‘better than Bellingham at everything’ says Van der Vaart

Williams has struggled to break into the side after a promising loan spell at Norwich last term and Telles has been at Sevilla but they don't want to sign him permanently. Buyers for the two will still have to be found. As for Maguire, he has come into the side and impressed in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, so he will have plenty of suitors, though his departure may be a tougher pill to swallow.

Negotiations with Frimpong

Ten Hag won't have time for sentimentality, however, and the axing of the club captain is a sign of a new ruthless and smarter United. Indeed, on the incoming front, United are already making shrewd moves.

The same report by MEN also mentioned that the Red Devils have begun talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong. One of the best full-backs in the Bundesliga, the 22-year-old former Manchester City player has long since been linked with a move to the red side of the city and a move appears to be becoming increasingly likely.

READ: Man Utd’s record with and without Marcus Rashford

Frimpong will be the first of what United fans hope are going to be many savvy summer signings.