DEAL CONFIRMED – Ten Hag out to hijack Liverpool signing of Milan star with contact made over bargain deal
Liverpool is in danger of missing out on a major January target, according to reports that Erik ten Hag is ready to step in and try to persuade the player to join Manchester United instead.
Over the summer, the Red Devils manager was allowed to spend well in excess of £200 million on phase one of his team overhaul. And, for the most part, progress is visible, with United presently sitting fifth in the Premier League standings. Excellent performances in victories over Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal demonstrate exactly what they are capable of.
United, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, as evidenced by losses to Brighton, Brentford, and Aston Villa. As a result, if they are to break into the top four in the second half of the season, they will need to iron out those shortcomings.
And, with the January transfer window approaching, Ten Hag has an excellent opportunity to bolster his squad even further.
His top priorities are a new right-back and a new striker. As for a full-back, their primary attention appears to be on Denzel Dumfries, albeit his strong performance at the World Cup appears to have inflated his price.
The Red Devils are also planning to strengthen their strike force. With Cristiano Ronaldo gone, there is a tremendous void to fill.
While Cody Gakpo has been heavily connected, according to Monday’s Transfer Gossip, Ten Hag prefers a Portuguese star.
Ten Hag, who has money to spend, is also thinking about goalkeeper and midfield players.
And Ten Hag has a variety of choices to examine as they aim to strengthen up in the middle of the park.
Ten Hag to make a bid for Liverpool’s Ismael Bennacer
Tyler Adams of Leeds United is apparently one of his targets. While a January deal is unlikely, a surprise summer swoop may be an option.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is also a target for Manchester United. However, he can only depart if his substantial exit clause is triggered.
As an alternative, it has been reported that Ten Hag is attempting to derail Liverpool’s projected move for Ismael Bennacer.
The Algerian star is allegedly on the market at AC Milan after failing to agree on a new contract. That deal is currently set to expire in around 18 months. As a result, Milan wants him to commit to an extension now so that his value does not fall.
Furthermore, the Rossoneri have previously been stung by free agents Gianluigi Donnarumma, Franck Kessie, and Hakan Calhanoglu. As a result, the reigning Italian champions do not wish to be stung once more.
To that purpose, Jurgen Klopp is said to be interested in bringing him to Liverpool. The Merseysiders’ midfield woes are on display this season. Arthur Melo’s loan signing did not go as planned. And the issue is likely to worsen with the departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita in 2023.
As a result, they are said to have a £35 million bid for Bennacer on the table.
United makes an enticing offer to lure a star from Milan
Calciomercato, on the other hand, alleges that United officials have been in communication with Bennacer’s new agent, Enzo Raiola, about a possible move.
They claim that United have already indicated that they will match any bid for Bennacer. Furthermore, United is apparently willing to pay him more than twice his current weekly salary of £25,000.
Algeria’s 44-cap midfielder has established himself as one of the best in Serie A. As a result, a substantial wage raise is unquestionably overdue.
It remains to be seen whether this will happen at AC Milan, Liverpool, or even Manchester United. And, with the January window starting in just 27 days, Bennacer is definitely one to watch.
