Man Utd Transfer News: Amrabat TALKS, Cucurella SHOCK, Gravenberch BID, Wonderkid PROMISE

Suraj Radia

Updated: 31 Aug 2023 10:05 CDT
5 min read

Manchester United will continue to push for a move for Sofyan Amrabat as they ramp up their transfer business before Friday’s deadline.

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United have so far failed to meet Fiorentina’s asking price for Erik ten Hag’s top target, with the Premier League outfit having seen a loan proposal turned down by the Italian side.

Fiorentina are holding out for a permanent solution and United have seen challengers such as Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray make an approach for Amrabat in recent days.

United initially offered Fiorentina a loan with a €2million (£1.7m) fee payable in two instalments and also wanted a January break clause included in any deal.

Fiorentina have previously put a price tag of around €30m on Amrabat but they could be convinced at a lower price, although United are struggling to afford any permanent move due to FFP restrictions.

Reports suggest that Fiorentina could be convinced to accept a loan but only on the condition that it includes a mandatory buy clause.

DONE DEALS: All the transfers from Premier League sides this summer

Cucurella stalling

Marc Cucurella looked on course to move to United but talks have now stalled.

United have been in the market for a left back after Luke Shaw was ruled out for up to two months with an injury, joining Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines and leaving youngster Alvaro Fernandez as the club’s only specialist in the position.

The likes of Marcos Alonso, Sergio Reguilon and Alfonso Pedraza had been approached over loan moves but Cucurella was expected to be the player to come in and United refrained from negotiating with the other options as they were confident of wrapping up a deal for the Spaniard.

Now, the situation has dramatically changed as United and Chelsea have failed to reach an agreement. Man Utd will reportedly turn their attention to Tottenham flop Sergio Reguilon instead.

Bizarrely, Alvaro Fernandez could be loaned out before the window shuts despite United's dearth of options.

© ProShots - Will Marc Cucurella move to Old Trafford on loan?

United consider Amrabat alternatives

Man Utd have reportedly held talks with Benfica over a move for midfielder Joao Neves as they consider alternatives to Sofyan Amrabat.

The 18-year-old is highly rated in Portugal and United have held discussions over a deal, according to The Sun, but a move is unlikely this summer.

An approach for Ryan Gravenberch will also continue to be explored, with Bayern Munich now open to his departure, although the Dutchman is also in talks with Liverpool over a permanent move, with the Reds ready to submit a bid.

© ProShots - Ryan Gravenberch is being targeted by United as well as Liverpool

Van de Beek FINALLY set for exit

Donny van de Beek is set to leave United before the end of the month after loan moves were negotiated between the club and Lorient in Ligue 1 as well as Galatasaray in Turkey.

Italian side Genoa are also interested in the Dutchman but Galatasaray could be Van de Beek’s preferred choice despite Lorient having agreed a deal with United.

© ProShots - Donny van de Beek has struggled with injuries

Goalkeeper swap to be confirmed

Manchester United are set to announce the signing of Altay Bayindir from Fenerbache in a double announcement with the departure of Dean Henderson.

Henderson has agreed to join Crystal Palace in a move that will net United £20 million including add-ons, while his replacement will be Bayindir for a fee of around £4m.

Ten Hag set to sign defender

Erik ten Hag has made a decision on the future of Jonny Evans after the veteran defender spent the pre-season at Old Trafford on a short-term deal.

The United boss still wants to keep Evans around as a backup defender and he is expected to pen a one-year contract.

Young defender to join Premier League new boys

Luton are close to signing United youngster Teden Mengi on a permanent deal after an agreement was struck between the two sides.

The 21-year-old has spent time on loan at Derby and Birmingham but has never been able to break into the United first team and he will now travel for a medical at the Premier League new boys.

Hannibal promise

Hannibal Mejbri has reportedly been promised an 'important' role at Man Utd if he decides to stay.

The young midfielder impressed in pre-season and won himself many a suitor, with promoted Luton heavily linked as a potential loan destination at one point.

With Van de Beek expected to leave, Mejbri could have an important part to play in Man Utd's midfield going forward.