Man Utd Transfer News: Amrabat price CUT, Greenwood's Ronaldo FEUD, Maguire replacement FOUND
Suraj Radia
- 24 Aug 2023 16:10 BST
- 5 min read
Manchester United have been given a lifeline in their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat after Fiorentina lowered their asking price for the Moroccan.
The 27-year-old is Erik ten Hag’s priority target to bring in before the transfer deadline but United had been unable to match Fiorentina’s €30 million price tag.
However, a report in Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims that the Serie A side have dropped their demands to €25m plus bonuses in order to resolve the player’s future quickly and plan the remainder of their transfer window.
DONE DEALS: All the transfers from the Premier League this summer
Fiorentina are looking to avoid a repeat of the last deadline in January where United and Barcelona only made their approaches in the final days of the window, preventing any deal from being struck.
Personal terms have already been agreed with Amrabat and Viola boss Vincenzo Italiano confirmed that the midfielder had been left out of matchday squad for Fiorentina’s next game, having been training on his own, away from the first team.
Bayindir WILL join
Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will become Man Utd's new backup goalkeeper, according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabancuolglu. The 25-year-old has already had a 'pre-medical' with United in recent days to examine a back issue.
Sky Germany, meanwhile, report that United have also tabled an official offer to Benfica for Odysseas Vlachodimos. A verbal agreement 'in principle' is in place for a contract until 2028 on a deal worth €15m - Bayindir would cost about half of that.
Greenwood Saudi Arabia move ‘blown’ by Ronaldo fued
Mason Greenwood reportedly believes he has ‘blown’ any chance of a transfer to Saudi Arabia after describing the career of ex-Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘dead’.
The claim by The Sun states that Greenwood made the comment during Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid – something which made the Al-Nassr star ‘furious’.
The report also describes how Ronaldo is ‘like royalty’ in Saudi Arabia, so he would be able to block any transfer for Greenwood if he wished.
Greenwood will leave United following an internal investigation into criminal proceedings previously against him and was linked to the Saudi Pro League, however, a source close to the division said a move to the country would be ‘surprising’ due to the country’s push towards women’s football.
Maguire set for United stay after demanding massive payout
Harry Maguire is set to stay at Manchester United this season, with the club not anticipating any transfer for their ex-captain this summer after seeing him reject West Ham.
United had agreed a £30 million fee with the Hammers earlier this month but Maguire rejected a move and has been reluctant to push for an exit despite dropping down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester Evening News state that Maguire’s transfer to the London Stadium collapsed due to the 30-year-old refusing United’s offer of a £6m payoff to make the move, with the defender instead wanting double the amount – around £12m.
West Ham have since signed Konstantinos Mavropanos, eliminating their need for Maguire and effectively ending the speculation surrounding the England international, with no other teams thought to be interested.
Maguire has not featured yet for United this season and missed the recent loss to Tottenham with a ‘small’ injury, according to Ten Hag.
Duo leaves Man Utd
Manchester United are finally making progress with their outgoings after Ipswich Town agreed a loan for forgotten defender Brandon Williams.
United have been keen to sell Williams permanently but interest has not been forthcoming so far, prompting a deal to be negotiated with Championship table-toppers Ipswich.
The 22-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, although United have the option to extend for a further season – something which they will consider doing, having inserted an option to buy in the loan.
Youngster Noam Emeran, who impressed in pre-season, has also departed, signing for Groningen for a reported €1m.
United rival Chelsea for wonderkid striker
Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in highly-rated striker Dino Klapija, according to the Daily Mail.
The American-born 16-year-old began his career at New York City's academy before moving to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, but he soon joined NK Kustosija.
Klapija has impressed for his club and country at under-17 level and has also trained with Kustosija's first team.
Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are the current favourites to sign him, while Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus are all interested.
And now Man Utd and Chelsea have entered the race, in the hopes that the allure of Premier League will help them to secure a deal, with a fee of around £5m thought to be enough to sign the striker.
Other tidbits
Raphael Varane could be Man Utd's secret weapon to landing Jean-Clair Todibo with the Nice defender previously speaking in glowing terms about his France teammate. On Wednesday, L'Equipe reported that a deal for Todibo was 'in sight.'
The Red Devils are reportedly on the verge of handing Jonny Evans a contract extension that would see him remain with United for the entire 2023/24 season. Evans returned to United in pre-season on a short-term deal.
United youngster Dan Gore is not expected to be sent out on loan this season, according to MEN.
