Video – Man Utd finally given Ten Hag green light to announce first signing today
Manchester United did not sign any new players in June for the first time since 2010, but new manager Erik ten Hag is close to making his first signing at Old Trafford.
Manchester United now have a clear shot at acquiring Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia after Lyon stated they would not sign him.
United are nearing an agreement with the Eredivisie club to sign the Dutch international for £14 million, making him their first signing of the summer transfer season. Erik ten Hag, the new manager of Manchester United, formerly played against the player in the Netherlands.
United are closing in on an agreement to recruit Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong for an initial cost of £56.2 million agreed with Barcelona, but Malacia looks certain to be their first signing under Ten Hag.
Lyon had been in prime position to recruit the left-back before United swooped in to better the French club’s bid and go into first place. Lyon general director Vincent Ponsot confirmed the arrangement with Malacia during the unveiling of Corentin Tolisso: “For us, the deal is off.”
Ponsot then went on to say that the trade may not have been as simple as it appeared: “The club is always more important than any player, and sometimes we have some requests – it’s like that in the football world.” We, however, do not respond to them. We will not jeopardize the club for any player.
“I believe the president is relieved to be able to sleep easily at night and not have to deal with the police in the morning.” The same goes for me. I can’t possibly say everything.”
“I was reading this morning that [the club] who made more proposals had the same difficulty as us to get the trade over the line,” Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said of United’s increased offer for the midfielder. This suggests that the transfer may be more difficult to perform.”
According to the MEN, United expects the deal to be completed within the next few days, making the full-back the club’s first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer season. The player’s agent Ali Dursun is said to be the stumbling block in finalizing Malacia’s deal, with the Dutch ace being represented by his father in this negotiation process.
Ten Hag is also interested in reuniting with Ajax forward Antony, while his teammate Lisandro Martinez is also on United’s radar as they attempt to boost their defensive options. Christian Eriksen, who has an offer from Brentford, and Sergio Romero, who left United a year ago, are also on the list of potential summer acquisitions.
