Man Utd suffer ANOTHER transfer rejection

30 Aug 2023 16:17 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag and the Manchester United badge, on a background of a panorama of Old Trafford in red — © ProShots

Manchester United have suffered another setback in their transfer plans after Villarreal rejected a loan move from the English side for Alfonso Pedraza.

United have been in the market for a left-back after Luke Shaw was ruled out for up to two months through injury, joining Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines and leaving youth prospect Alvaro Fernandez as the club’s only option in the role.

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Erik ten Hag had made various approaches for left-backs in the past few days, with the likes of Marc Cucurella, Sergio Reguilon and Marcos Alonso being pursued.

SUBMITTED: United make move for Marc Cucurella

But a report in Spanish outlet Marca claims that United had enquired about a move for Pedraza, however Villarreal were not entertaining talks over a key player, particularly since it would only be a loan.

Pedraza has started this season in fine form, grabbing two assists in Villarreal’s loss to Barcelona last weekend, having established himself as one of the best attacking wing-backs in La Liga in recent years.

United will now continue their focus on other targets, with Cucurella believed to be the most likely option for Ten Hag before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Cucurella the play for Ten Hag

Chelsea and United have been in talks over a loan move for Cucurella, with the Spaniard out of favour after a disastrous first season at Stamford Bridge.

United are understood to have offered Chelsea a loan fee of £2.5 million for Cucurella but the Blues are holding out for a fee closer to £5m for a player they paid £62m for last summer.

Ten Hag is also hoping to sign Sofyan Amrabat before the end of the month, although Fiorentina have rebuffed United’s latest bid to take him on loan.

RETRY: Talks reopened with Fiorentina for Sofyan Amrabat

United will, however, confirm the signing of Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce imminently, with the Turkish international set to replace Dean Henderson, who is undergoing a medical at Crystal Palace ahead of a £20m move.