- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that talks are ongoing between Manchester United and Bayern Munich for the double deal of Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
A deal in principle is in place for Noussair Mazraoui to move to Manchester United and personal terms are agreed, but both Bayern Munich and the player know that is dependent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving the club and that is in the works.
West Ham United have reopened talks for Wan-Bissaka this summer. The English right-back’s agents have a good relationship with West Ham and personal terms will not be a problem. The expectation from both sides is that a deal will be done for Wan-Bissaka.
HITC understands West Ham and United both want the deal agreed for the Englishman by this weekend.
United maintain contact for defender Matthijs De Ligt
As well as a potential deal for Mazraoui, sources have told HITC that United have maintained contact with Matthijs De Ligt, who has the same agent as the Moroccan international.
HITC can reveal that De Ligt and Bayern have received approaches from several clubs asking about his availability, but De Ligt has made it clear that he only wants to move to Old Trafford – despite no agreement yet being reached between the two clubs for his transfer.
Bayern are understood to want De Ligt out of the club this summer with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah the name that the Bavarian side wants to sign as a replacement.
HITC had reported that De Ligt was agitated over the delay of his move to United and the two sides have remained in contact for a transfer this summer.
United convinced to sign De Ligt because of his behaviour
Whilst De Ligt has been frustrated that a move to Old Trafford has not materialised this summer, sources have told HITC that the decision-makers at United have been ‘hugely impressed’ with the defender.
United are understood to have been impressed by De Ligt’s behaviour during talks between the two sides and this is said to have underlined to the Red Devils that he would be very good for the new INEOS-led project.
The Red Devils always wanted two new centre-backs this summer and United confirmed the signing of Leny Yoro last month.
Yoro has now picked up an injury during United’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal with the Red Devils yet to confirm the extent of the injury suffered by the French teenager.
If the injury to Yoro is in any way substantial, this would only crank up the pressure on United to complete a deal for De Ligt this summer.
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