MANCHESTER UNITED have AGREED a deal with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the club have agreed an initial £63million fee with around £8.5m in potential add-ons.
Lisandro Martinez also appears to be a done deal, with the Argentina international set to sign after agreeing personal terms.
United are set to splash out £46m to sign the Ajax man after Jurrien Timber spurned their advances.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are set to sign Christian Eriksen this week, with the midfielder eagerly waiting to join his new team-mates on pre-season tour in Australia, according to reports.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia
- OUT: Paul Pogba (released), Juan Mata (released), Jesse Lingard (released), Nemanja Matic (Roma), Edinson Cavani (released), Lee Grant (released), D'Mani Mellor (released), Reece Devine (released), Paul McShane (released), Connor Stanley (released), Paul Woolston (released)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd line up with tallest striker
Manchester United could line up with the tallest striker AND the shortest centre-back in the Premier League next season.
United have prioritised the signing of Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as Erik ten Hag turns to his former club to boost his defence.
The Red Devils have had a £46million bid accepted by the Dutch champions for Martinez, who could join the pre-season tour of Australia over the weekend.
If the centre-back pens a deal with the Manchester giants he would be the Premier League's shortest at just 5ft 9in.
However, that shouldn't be a problem as the Argentina international still won 79 aerial duels last season, which is four more than United skipper Harry Maguire, who is seven inches taller than him.
The Red Devils also held "initial talks" with Stuttgart star Sasa Kalajdzic's representatives and reports suggest the towering centre-forward is keen to move to Old Trafford.
If Kalajdzic joins United then Ten Hag will also have the tallest striker in the Prem as he stands at 6ft 6in.
Both transfer targets could help the Dutchman put together a line-up that would take the team to new heights after the Manchester giants' worst ever Premier League campaign.
- Joshua Mbu
Ten Hag shuts down Ronaldo exit
Erik ten Hag shut down Cristiano Ronaldo exit talk as Manchester United arrived in Melbourne for their Australia tour.
The Red Devils' boss said "nothing has changed" after insisting earlier this week wantaway icon Ronaldo will STAY for the second year of his contract.
Ron, 37, has reportedly received a £2million-a-week offer from an unnamed Saudi club willing to pay United £25m for the Portugal striker.
But Chelsea have now joined Bayern Munich and PSG in ruling out a move.
Other major European clubs, though, are still thought to be interested.
Ronaldo was given permission to stay off tour for family reasons.
And when questioned about the ex-Real Madrid hero ahead of Friday's friendly with Melbourne Victory, Ten Hag would only say: "We made a statement and nothing has changed."
- Joshua Mbu
Haaland reveals classy Solskjaer message
Erling Haaland has revealed the message he received from ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after signing for rivals City.
The Norwegian, 21, was finally unveiled by the Premier League champions after they completed a £51million move from Dortmund.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “When I signed with City he congratulated me and wrote to me ‘Good luck on going to the wrong side of Manchester’.
“We talk sometimes. As you know, he had a huge impact on my career when I was at Molde. He’s a good guy.”
- Joshua Mbu
Keane on new season hopes
Man Utd legend Roy Keane doesn't believe his former side will catch up on Manchester City or Liverpool in the upcoming season, regardless of transfer activity.
Keane told Sky Bet: "I don’t think they will close the gap.
"I think they will be a bit better. They have quality and the recruitment, but you can’t look beyond Liverpool and Man City.”
He continued: "The manager [Erik ten Hag] no doubt will be given money to spend, how he recruits, four or five experienced players have left the club, which I think is a good thing.
“But I still don’t see United competing with Liverpool and Manchester City, not just yet.”
- Joshua Mbu
Rooney ‘targeting shock transfers of ex-team-mates'
New DC United manager Wayne Rooney is reportedly interested in signing former Manchester United team-mates Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison.
And Rooney is expected to add to his squad during the summer transfer window.
This is because DC United currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference.
According to Marca, he has identified Lingard as a target and DC United are one of several clubs to have made an offer for the ex-Red Devil.
Lingard is a free agent having left Old Trafford at the end of last season when his contract expired.
But DC United will have to compete with the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Everton if they want to acquire Lingard's signature.
Another ex-Man Utd man that Rooney has his eye on is Ravel Morrison.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: De Jong to United?
Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong, and have chased him all summer.
De Jong is happy to move, and wants to link up again with Erik ten Hag.
And now Barcelona have told the Dutchman he has to leave.
So what's holding up the deal? Just the fact that Barca owe the player £17m in deferred wages, and are trying to brush it under the Nou Camp carpet.
This move will be finalised, but expect it to drag on for some time yet.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Rashford revived by Ten Hag appointment
Marcus Rashford is 'ready to go again' after an extended summer break, and admits he is rejuvenated by the arrival of Erik ten Hag as head coach.
Speaking on the club's pre-season tour of Thailand, the forward said of the new manager: "We can do a lot together. For me it is a fresh start and it is something I am looking forward to."
The 24-year-old feels he has taken advantage of the disappointment of being dropped from the England setup, and used the time away to recharge.
"I had just under four weeks off. It has not been natural to have such a long break. This is my first year that I have been with the team since the beginning [of pre-season].
"I feel a lot better than usual when I go away with the national team and come back part way through pre-season."
- Sam Dymond
Erik urged to use Martial
Manchester United officials have urged new boss Erik ten Hag to find a role for outcast Anthony Martial in his new-look squad.
The French forward's time at Old Trafford looked over after he was shipped out to Sevilla on loan during the second half of last season.
However, no permanent transfer materialised, and the 26-year-old found himself back in contention for United's first pre-season game against Liverpool on Tuesday – in which he scored and starred.
Those within the club now believe that Ten Hag can make use of Martial – rather than spending big on Ajax's Antony to fill a similar position.
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Ajax 'accept' United's Martinez bid
It's all happening at Manchester United all of a sudden.
In the past few moments, talkSPORT sources have announced that Ajax have accepted United's £46m bid for centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
Dutch journalist Mike Verweij earlier revealed that Martinez had not been training with the Amsterdam club this morning, and the transfer is now expected to be completed very soon.
- Sam Dymond
More on De Jong transfer
The transfer of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United is moving forward, but Miguel Delaney of The Independent has warned that progress is still slow.
He reports that, contrary to reports, the Dutchman is willing to join United, and reunite with his former boss, Erik ten Hag.
However, negotiations are being held up due to £17m that Barca own their midfielder in deferred wages.
The LaLiga club have attempted to navigate the debt in how they've structured the deal, but neither De Jong nor the Red Devils appear satisfied.
The report reveals that talks are ongoing, but could rumble on 'right to the end of the window.'
- Alex Terrell
Breaking: United agree fee for Frenkie
Finally! Manchester United have AGREED a £63m initial fee for Frenkie de Jong plus an extra £8.5m in add-ons.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms are still to be discussed and resolved.
De Jong's agent recently admitted that the midfielder's preference would be to remain at the Nou Camp, but he would be unwilling to accept the pay cut that has been in the pipeline at the La Liga club.
This could be the huge breakthrough Erik ten Hag has wanted.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Martinez to United?
Manchester United and Ajax are set for further negotiations today with the Dutch champions hoping requesting in the region of €50m plus add ons.
Lissandro Martinez wants to move to Old Trafford, and is understood to have already agreed personal terms.
This one will happen barring a last-minute disaster.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Saudis' huge bid for Ronaldo
An unnamed Saudi Arabian club have made an eye-watering offer to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
CNN Portugal report that the Middle East outfit are prepared to offer the Portuguese legend €300m for two seasons.
It is also suggested that the purchasers are prepared to pay Manchester United a transfer fee of €30m for the 37-year-old.
Ronaldo has indicated his desire to leave Old Trafford – albeit for the challenge of elite football – but Erik ten Hag insists he is part of his plans.
- Sam Dymond
United issue De Jong 'ultimatum'
Manchester United have reportedly told Frenkie de Jong to decide on his future by the end of this week – otherwise they will walk away from the deal.
The Red Devils pursuit of the Dutchman has been the summer's drawn-out transfer saga, and appears no closer to a conclusion.
A deal had seemingly been agreed in principle early in the window, but both Barca and De Jong have dragged their heels since.
It is understood that the Catalans need to sell the midfielder to help ease their financial problems – even though they owe the player £17m in deferred wages.
Old Trafford officials are still hopeful of completing the switch, but are also preparing to move on to other targets if there is no progress in the coming days.
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning, United fans
Jesse Lingard will be remembered for his Tik Tok antics at Man United instead of his football skills.
That’s according to talkSPORT host Simon Jordan: “Because he knows that the free transfer side of things will enable his wage packet to be at a certain level and that’s his choice.
“Jesse Lingard will be remembered, for me, for TikTok videos.”
Meanwhile, Leeds have reportedly made contact with Juan Mata’s representatives over a free transfer.
Mata, 34, left rivals Manchester United upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
He has attracted interest from several clubs but it is reportedly only Leeds who have made an approach.
According to AS, Leeds sporting director Victor Orta has spoken to Mata’s father about a potential move.
But talks are believed to be slow despite both parties being keen to complete a deal.
Leeds are likely negotiating a significant wage cut since Mata reportedly earned £70,000-a-week at United.
Napoli are in contact with Manchester United regarding a move for Eric Bailly, according to reports.
The Serie A side are preparing for life after stalwart defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Senegalese defender, 34, is set to bring eight years at Napoli to an end by signing for Chelsea in a £34m deal.
According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, Napoli are looking to Man United for their Koulibaly replacement.
Finally, Man United will reportedly sell THREE centre-backs as they close in on signing Lisandro Martinez for £46million.
SunSport understands that United are close to finalising Martinez’s transfer as the Premier League giants are thought to have made a breakthrough in their talks with Ajax.
It comes after they previously offered £42m for the defender – just shy of the Dutch side’s £46m asking price – which has now been met.
The Daily Mirror states that the South American’s arrival will result in three other defenders heading out of the exit door.
They claim that Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones will all be sold “to ensure Ten Hag’s squad is not overloaded with centre-backs” this term.
- Justin Lawrence
Man United target in Juve talks
Man United target pau Torres has begun talks with Juventus, according to reports.
The Old Lady want to recruit Torres to fill the gap Matthijs de Light will leave if he completes his switch to Bayern.
Villarreal have slapped a €50m asking price on Torres, but Juve reckon they can lower the number, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
And personal talks with Torres should go smoothly as the centre-back has given his representatives the green light to negotiate with Juve.
- Justin Lawrence
Iqbal thanks Ten Hag
Man United starlet Zidane Iqbal has thanked Erik ten Hag for letting him feature in the Red Devils win over Liverpool.
He said: "Playing a very strong Liverpool team and obviously coming away with the win.
"I’d just like to thank the manager for putting his trust in me and Sav, you know?”
- Justin Lawrence
De Jong frustrations
Man United will walk away from Frenkie de Jong soon if they don't make any in roads soon.
That's according to sports reporter Alex Crook who told Give Me Sport: "The longer it goes on, the more likely United are to walk away.
“But in a way, it’s a bit embarrassing if they get this far down the road, as ten Hag has clearly made him a priority signing.
“So if the board, were then to walk away after two months of negotiations, it doesn’t look great on them.”
- Justin Lawrence
Rooney only needed five minutes
Wayne Rooney took less than five minutes to decide on taking the job at DC United and told pals: “It’s come at the perfect moment.”
A source said: “There were reports that Wayne might take time off from the game for a bit – but that was never his intention.
"He was interested in TV and punditry work but, in his heart, he wanted to get back in the dugout as soon as he could.
"That’s why when the call came from DC United he made his mind up in about five minutes that it was the right move.
“In many ways it’s the perfect job because it will allow him to carry on his coaching career, which is still in its early stages, without so many eyeballs on him.
“Wayne loved his time at Derby County but he was constantly in the spotlight.
"There will be less of that in America and he is just looking forward to getting his head down and coaching the team.”
- Justin Lawrence
Torres over Martinez
Villarreal ace Pau Torres would be a better signing than Ajax star Lisandro Martinez for Man United.
That's according to Danny Murphy who reckons Torres is stronger than Martinez.
Murphy explained: "He plays for his country. He has more physical presence than Martinez.”
“I have seen more of Pau Torres and I like him.
“He’s a very good footballing centre-half. Strong and he has been playing for Villarreal at a high level."
- Justin Lawrence
Malacia speaks on United
Man United new-boy Tyrell Malacia has revealed it feels amazing pulling on the club's shirt.
Malacia made his debut in United's 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool in their pre-season friendly opener.
And Malacia was enthralled by the display he and his new team-mates put together.
He said: "I’m very happy. It feels amazing to be here, to wear this shirt and play with these people. It was difficult because of the weather, it’s very hot, but we made it.
"It’s a dream for me to play there [the Premier League] and now I’m here. [I hope to add] some good defensive [work], hope to get some assists and get some energy to the team."
- Justin Lawrence
Mata open to pay cut
Former Man United star Juan Mata is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to join Leeds.
Mata left United this summer on a free transfer and is yet to find a new club.
The Whites are ostensibly keen on the midfielder but cannot offer him the same wages he was on at United.
But they could be in luck as Mata is open to wage reduction to get a deal done, Marca reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Napoli eye United flop
Napoli are reportedly plotting to rescue Eric Bailly from his Man United nightmare.
Bailly's one of three defenders United are looking to offload to make space for Ajax ace Lisandro Martinez.
And Napoli have been sniffing around the centre-back after losing Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea.
That's according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who claims the Serie A giants have contacted the Red Devils over Bailly.
- Justin Lawrence
De Beek speaks
Danny van de Beek has revealed his joy over pulling on Man United's special shirt once again.
De Beek spent the latter half of last season on loan with Everton, but he's happy to back with United despite the experience.
He said: "[United] is a massive club with a lot of fans and, to wear the shirt, it’s always a special feeling. For me as well, I’m really happy to be back. For my experience, I think [the Everton loan] was good. Obviously, I was a little bit unlucky with my injuries.
"I missed a lot of games but to have that experience… it was not an easy season for the team, because we played to avoid relegation, which is not what you want for a club like Everton, but, overall, it was a good experience to be there."
- Justin Lawrence
Varane speaks on Ten Hag
Raphael Varane has revealed his Man United team-mates know exactly what Erik ten Hag expects of them.
He said to Sky Sports: "We know exactly how we want to play. The manager explained very well what we have to do and it’s absolutely clear. So we know we have to be very fit because it’s a very physical way to play.
"We are happy with the result obviously but we know we have to work very hard still to be ready for the start of the season. We’re working a lot, so we try to be absolutely ready for the beginning of the season. This is just the start of the pre-season so it’s just the beginning, but we know exactly where we want to go.
"I think we know exactly what we have to do – we have to improve in everything. We have ambition for this season but also, most important, we have to work with humility. I think it’s the most important. As I said, it’s just the beginning so we have to improve in everything.
"Personally, it’s an opportunity for me to have a real pre-season, to get fit and to be ready because it’ll be a very long season with a lot of games and high intensity.
"I will try to be ready and to be fit, and obviously I’m very excited for this season coming and I’m very happy to be with Manchester and in this great club. We will try to win some trophies."
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