- 8 hours ago
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Olise HIJACK, De Ligt CLOSE, Ugarte KEEN, Ten Hag SLAMMED
Robin Bairner
- 1 Jul 2024 19:56 BST
- 5 min read
Manchester United have come to an agreement with Newcastle over sporting director Dan Ashworth, which is a deal that is set to unlock the transfer market for the Old Trafford club this summer.
The Red Devils are finally closing in on a number of targets, and the arrival of Ashworth should help hasten these deals and provide some much-needed focus in the days and weeks ahead.
READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours
In particular, transfer deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte appear closer than ever as Man Utd begin to find their way in the market.
Here’s all the latest transfer news from Old Trafford:
Man Utd open De Ligt talks
Manchester United are in talks with Bayern Munich over a move for Matthijs de Ligt, several sources, including The Athletic, have indicated.
United have chased several centre-backs this summer, including Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille’s Leny Yoro, but for various reasons, they have been unable to complete a deal.
De Ligt is a player who has long been on the Red Devils’ shortlist, and he now appears the player closest to a move.
Current ETV
Matthijs de Ligt
D (C)
Bayern
Matthijs de Ligt
D (C)
Bayern
ETV Range
€37.9M - €63.2M
De Telegraaf has confirmed that an agreement between the player and the club is close, with the biggest hurdle to overcome being the two giants agreeing on a transfer fee.
Bayern want at least €50 million for the centre-back but the latest indications are that United were only offering €30m.
The Athletic reports that any move for De Ligt is independent of their plans for Branthwaite, indicating that both could be signed.
READ MORE: Man Utd set to land first signing as Ratcliffe gets ‘agreement expected’ message
Back in De Ligt's native Netherlands, this potential transfer has been met with a mixed reaction. Man Utd boss Ten Hag has been criticised by De Telegraaf's chief writer Valentijn Driessen for trying to sign yet another one of his former Ajax players.
Ugarte deal is ‘serious’ amid Casemiro doubts
Manchester United are now “serious” about signing PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to Sky Sports Deutschland.
Florian Plettenberg says: “Understand that Manuel Ugarte is a serious transfer target for Manchester United now!
“Talks took place as the 23-year-old can leave PSG this summer. Man Utd want to strengthen the central midfield!”
Current ETV
Manuel Ugarte
DM (CRL)
PSG
Manuel Ugarte
DM (CRL)
PSG
ETV Range
€31.4M - €52.3M
Ugarte is keen on the move, according to Fabrizio Romano, and has been targeted as a replacement for Casemiro, but there is a clause in the Brazilian’s contract that puts into doubt the Uruguay international’s transfer.
According to The Sun, United will have to pay the Brazil veteran around €30m if he leaves the club this summer.
It is claimed that “the player won’t settle for a cut-price pay-off to go” under any circumstances.
READ MORE: Casemiro sparks ‘emergency meeting’ as Man Utd career may not be over
Olise hijack possible?
The aforementioned Plettenberg has also revealed that Man Utd are one of several clubs trying to hijack Bayern Munich's transfer for Michael Olise.
The Bavarian giants had wanted to finalise the deal last week but a delay has put other suitors on alert. Olise has yet to complete his medical and clubs are pushing to make him reconsider his move.
However, as things stand, it is thought that Bayern's transfer is not in jeopardy...yet.
Arsenal reject Sancho deal
Arsenal have turned down the chance to sign Jadon Sancho from Man Utd, according to a report from TeamTalk, which is cited by The Standard.
Sancho is expected to depart Old Trafford in the summer following a falling out with Ten Hag.
A deal with Dortmund, where he spent the second half of last season, on loan looks unlikely given the transfer fee that United are demanding.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have turned down the chance to sign the winger.
Current ETV
Jadon Sancho
AM (RL), M (L)
Dortmund
Jadon Sancho
AM (RL), M (L)
Dortmund
ETV Range
€29.2M - €48.7M
Neville thrilled with Ashworth appointment
Gary Neville has previously expressed his delight at the prospect of Man Utd signing Ashworth as sporting director from Newcastle.
The Man Utd legend hailed the manner in which he has been transformational in each job he has had.
“He transformed the FA’s structure, set Brighton up for this incredible period of success and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle. He’s competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s doing. Will work with his coach, recruitment team and other departments coherently and calmly,” Neville tweeted last November.
