Man Utd now PUSHING to sign top target after collapsed deal

Updated: 26 Jul 2024 13:42 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

The deal between Bayern Munich and West Ham United regarding the transfer of Noussair Mazraoui has collapsed, reports Florian Plettenberg.

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The journalist from the German branch of Sky Sports writes that the London club were unable to reach an agreement with the right-back's agent. The clubs had previously struck a deal on a transfer fee of €15.5 million plus €4m in bonuses.

Mazraoui had also already personally agreed terms with the Hammers. However, agent demands have now ended Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten's hopes of landing their top right-back target.

Man Utd to pounce

Earlier this week, Plettenberg reported that Mazraoui was also Man Utd's top target for that position. David Ornstein has since stated that a deal hinges on their ability to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the Congo DR international not keen on a move to the Hammers, preferring Inter.

However, due to the failure of the transfer to West Ham, Man Utd seem to be the only candidates left for Mazraoui. Indeed, Plettenberg writes that the Red Devils are serious about the arrival of the Moroccan and are in advanced discussions with him and 'pushing' for the move.

At Man Utd, a reunion with Erik ten Hag beckons, who knows the defender from his time at Ajax. Mazraoui played 137 matches for the Amsterdam club, scoring 10 times and providing 9 assists.

Bayern previously asked €30m for Mazraoui, but Florian Plettenberg previously revealed that Bayern club management realised that this is not realistic in the current market. The southern Germans hope for a transfer fee of €20m to €25m, but €15m to €20m is called the 'most realistic price.'

It is not yet known what Ten Hag's club is willing to pay for the wide defender. In addition to Mazraoui, Man Utd have been associated with Matthijs de Ligt for some time.

The central defender, like the Moroccan international, worked with Ten Hag at Ajax. However, the clubs are still far apart in terms of the transfer fee: Bayern are asking for €50m, while Man Utd's opening offer clocked in at €35m.