Man Utd Transfer News Today: Hojlund LATEST, Onana IMMINENT and Greenwood race HOTS UP
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 14 Jul 2023 07:31 BST
- 8 min read
Man Utd have closed in on completing a deal for Andre Onana after a final verbal proposal was made during talks on Thursday. The fee will be an initial €50m, plus €5m in add-ons, with the Inter Milan shot-stopper set to join in the next few days.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has reported that a deal is now close to being struck after yet more positive conversations.
Signing a new shot-stopper became a high priority for Man Utd after David de Gea left upon the expiration of his contract and Onana is the number one target.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
But the Cameroonian is much more than just solid between the sticks. Onana is a former Ten Hag player and intimately familiar with the ex-Ajax boss' philosophy. No wonder, then, that the Dutchman was keen on reuniting with his former number one.
Negotiating a deal with Inter proved tricky, with the Italian giants even publicly expressing their frustration about how the talks were proceeding at one point. Manchester United, operating on a restricted budget due to Financial Fair Play and takeover uncertainty, were trying to lowball the Nerrazzuri.
Now, however, a deal is finally close to being struck.
Atalanta reject Man Utd Rasmus Hojlund bid
Manchester United have seen a cash plus players bid for Rasmus Hojlund rejected by Atalanta, with the Serie A side holding out for a club record fee for their striker.
United are in the market for a new No.9 with Wout Weghorst having failed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo's goals after joining on loan from Burnley, via Besiktas, last season, and 30-goal top scorer Marcus Rashford doing his best work from the left wing.
Hojlund has emerged as the most likely candidate to plug the gap in United's attack, but Atalanta were left unimpressed at United's attempts to use some deadwood in their squad as counter-weights.
The Serie A club is insistent on a cash payment and will not accept a player-plus-cash offer.
According to the Athletic: "Discussions over Hojlund are happening in conjunction with negotiations for Andre Onana as United try to balance the financial commitments of both to fit in with the club’s summer budget, which is around £100milion ($131m).
"It is in this context that United floated the idea of swap deals plus money for Hojlund, with several players up for sale. Separate loans were also suggested.
"Fred and Donny van de Beek are available, with both missing United’s first pre-season friendly against Leeds in Oslo on Wednesday as their training loads are managed.
"Atalanta, though, did not express any interest in the players proposed by United and want to be paid the fee for Hojlund in full. Part-exchange deals are notoriously complex to pull off."
Amrabat move held up by McTominay BLOCKER
Erik ten Hag still wants to sign Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, but there are blockers.
United won't move in for the midfielder unless they offload Scottish star Scott McTominay. And West Ham will not make their move for McTominay until Declan Rice completes his move to Arsenal.
The Independent reports that West Ham also have tentative interest in United defender Harry Maguire, but more likely as a loan move.
Premier League clubs in RACE to sign Mason Greenwood
Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood is of interest to multiple Premier League clubs and may also have the opportunity to move to Serie A, according to a report from Italy.
Greenwood has been out of action since January 2022 because of legal and personal difficulties, with the once-capped England international presently suspended from the club pending the results of an internal investigation.
The 21-year-old, who is under contract until 2025, is expected to learn whether the Red Devils intend to keep him for the season ahead imminently, but there are reports that a compromise deal might be struck that will see him loaned out for a season, thereby giving Man Utd a further year to assess their options as well as the player’s form.
Greenwood had been widely tipped to move abroad to escape the media glare of his return, but according to La Repubblica has options in the Premier League while Juventus are said to have made a “major” enquiry to Man Utd. Atalanta also hold an interest while rumours linking the striker to Roma have lessened.
Everton near deal for Elanga
Everton are looking at Leeds players Wilfred Gnonto and Jack Harrison but it’s a deal for Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga that is nearing and there is confidence that it will be concluded soon.
FootballTransfers are told that Sean Dyche is looking to bring in about five new recruits ahead of next season but that he would have to move on members of his current squad to see that realised.
Given their current financial predicament, the club are looking to offer low-paying instalments for their targets, in a bid to ensure that a relegation fight does not go to the wire next season.
Turkish giants target Man Utd midfielder Fred
Man Utd have fielded an offer from Galatasaray for Brazil international Fred, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The midfielder is not a favourite of Ten Hag, who appears to have placed Scott McTominay higher up his priority list of players to keep this summer, and as such the 30-year-old could depart Old Trafford.
Romano reports that Galatasaray have already made a bid for Fred, but this has been rejected because the fee was insufficient.
The Turkish Super Lig side face significant competition in the race to sign the former Shakhtar Donetsk man, with Fulham among multiple Premier League clubs chasing the player. Saudi Pro League teams are also interested in the player.
Fred is expected to leave Manchester United this summer, potentially raising more funds for signings as the stalling takeover process continues to frustrate Ten Hag.
There is also reported interest from Fulham and the Saudi Pro League.
Jones close to new home
According to Greek outlet Gazzetta, Greek Super League side Aris have made Phil Jones their top summer transfer target.
Although an initial round of negotiations broke down over Aris failing to match the wage demands of the player, it appears that they are determined to sign the England international in order to boost their title hopes in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Thessaloniki side finished fifth in the Greek Super League in 2022/23, meaning that they will play in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League.
MORE: Man Utd Pre-season fixtures, schedule & TV details
