Manchester United continue to chase new signings despite having a busy few days in the transfer market – and could launch a double raid on a European club.
Erik ten Hag needed new additions and Manchester United are delivering right now.
Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have arrived from Bologna and Lille respectively, adding key depth to Ten Hag’s options up front and in defence.
United aren’t done there though – far from it, in fact.
A deal for Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin is in the pipeline and United have made a bid for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
That offer has been rejected but United are clearly still working on potential additions ahead of the new Premier League season.
Manchester United keen on Monaco duo
United may need some outgoings to unlock some more arrivals but the priorities are clear.
Another centre back – such as De Ligt – is wanted whilst United continue to chase a midfielder.
Paris Saint-Germain ace Manuel Ugarte is the top target having already agreed personal terms with United.
A deal with PSG has still not been thrashed out though and United may need to weigh up alternatives.
Sky Sports now claim that United have an interested in signing Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana as an alternative to Ugarte.
Fofana is out of contract in 2025 and Monaco are ready to cash in now, before he leaves for nothing.
Fabrizio Romano suggested in May that Fofana may be available for just £17million this summer – much cheaper than Ugarte.
Fofana isn’t alone though as Sky Sports also add that United are keen on Monaco right back Vanderson too.
It’s stated that United are ‘poised for offers’ for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, meaning right backs have been eyed up in case he goes.
Reports last week suggested that United were expecting ‘serious’ interest in Wan-Bissaka as he entered the final year of his contract.
Vanderson is just one name United may consider to replace him with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong once again mentioned.
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Who are United target Youssouf Fofana and Vanderson?
Midfielder Fofana hails from Paris and actually became a pizza delivery boy with his football dream fading.
The 25-year-old really found his feet with Strasbourg though and Monaco pounced to sign him after just 41 appearances in 2020.
Fofana has been a vital player for Monaco ever since and formed a superb midfield partnership with Aurelien Tchouameni before his move to Real Madrid.
Now with 21 France caps to his name, Fofana has been hailed as ‘very dynamic’ by Cesc Fabregas, his former Monaco teammate.
United actually looked into signing Fofana last summer but ended up landing Sofyan Amrabat after Monaco stood firm.
Vanderson started out with hometown club Uniao Rondonopolis before heading to Rio Branco-SP and then Gremio.
The 23-year-old – a quick and attack-minded right back – joined Monaco in 2022 and he has been a regular in Ligue 1 ever since.
The Brazilian was linked with United last year and he admitted to AS in September that it was ‘fantastic’ to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Vanderson bagged three goals from right back or right wing back last season and would be a much more forward-thinking option than Wan-Bissaka if he is to leave this summer.