Manchester United have struggled to get any of their three deals for their defensive targets over the line thus far and another could be slipping away if reports are to be believed.
The Red Devils had seen their first two bids for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite get rejected and even if they were to submit a third bid, it would likely be less than what the Toffees have been demanding.
FFP concerns have already been addressed and Amadou Onana’s sale could mean they do not even need to sell the England international this summer.
Leny Yoro of Lille is another player United have bid for. The French club have accepted but the generational talent prefers a move to Real Madrid. Whether United can change his mind remains to be seen.
CB search complicated
It seemed like a deal for Matthijs de Ligt was the one that was most likely to happen with the former Ajax starlet agreeing on personal terms with both clubs close to a breakthrough. That’s what we knew.
According to Bild journalist Lukas Fischer, Bayern’s asking price has increased to €60 million and the 20-time English league champions have no intention of paying as much.
🚨EXCL- Manchester United are now supposedly pivoting from Mathijs de Ligt to Jonathan Tah.
➡️Bayern want over €60 mio incl addons. United unwilling to pay that
➡️Jonathan Tah much more affordable, and Leverkusen more happy to sell to United over Bayern. Negotiations to follow. pic.twitter.com/xkUWIhtR6T— Lukas Fischer (@lukasjfischer) July 15, 2024
That is why Jonathan Tah has gained prominence in recent days, something The Peoples Person had relayed. It was thought that the Germany international was close to a move to the Bavarian giants but that depends on De Ligt’s future.
Bayern’s problem could be United’s boon and Bayer Leverkusen are also reportedly more open to the prospect of selling to a foreign club than strengthening a direct rival.
De Ligt deal in danger
“Manchester United are now supposedly pivoting from Matthijs de Ligt to Jonathan Tah. Bayern want over €60 mio incl addons. United unwilling to pay that.
“Jonathan Tah much more affordable, and Leverkusen more happy to sell to United over Bayern. Negotiations to follow,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
United need a right-sided centre-half and one comfortable on the left. Yoro’s arrival could also mean United do not go back for Erik ten Hag’s former protege with the Frenchman seen as a bigger talent than the Dutch star.
Tah’s potentially lower fee could also help the Old Trafford side who need to be wary of breaching PSR. This saga is far from over.
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