Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils eyeing Spanish ace, Matthijs de Ligt wants Old Trafford move, and more - July 20, 2024

Manchester United are working to add more quality to their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. Erik ten Hag has won silverware in each of his two seasons in charge at Old Trafford and will be aiming higher in the 2024-25 season.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have set their sights on RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. Elsewhere, Matthijs de Ligt is eager to move to Old Trafford this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from July 20, 2024.

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Manchester United eyeing Dani Olmo

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Dani Olmo this summer, according to AS. Olmo was a key member of the Spanish side that lifted the Euro 2024 trophy.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a fine 2023/24 campaign with RB Leipzig, registering eight goals and five assists from 25 games across competitions. His efforts have made him a wanted man this summer, with multiple clubs, including Barcelona and Manchester City, eyeing him with interest.

The Red Devils have now entered the fray as Erik ten Hag is keen to add more quality to his squad and believes Olmo can be a fine option. The Spaniard has the ability to carry out multiple roles behind the striker, which could make him an asset under the Dutchman.

Olmo could compete with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho for a place in the team. The 26-year-old has a €60m release clause which expires on July 20, so it is unlikely that the Premier League giants will activate that option.

However, Manchester United could still enter negotiations with Leipzig to script a move in the coming days. It is believed that the player is open to a move to Old Trafford. However, the Red Devils have already invested in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer and may have to offload players to sign Olmo.

Matthijs de Ligt wants Old Trafford move, says Fabrizio Romano

Matthijs de Ligt is eager to move to Manchester United this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils have been in contact with the Dutch defender in recent times regarding a move.

De Ligt is no longer an indispensable part of Bayern Munich's plans and will reportedly be allowed to leave this year. Erik ten Hag is in the market for defensive reinforcements after an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign.

The Dutch manager has already welcomed Leny Yoro from Lille this summer to bolster his backline. The 18-year-old is highly rated in the European circuit and his arrival has raised doubts regarding a move for De Ligt.

However, speaking on his Playback channel, Romano added that the Premier League giants could target another defender this summer.

“There is a possibility they will sign one more centre-back after Leny Yoro. Matthijs de Ligt wants to go to Manchester United, it is on United to decide when, if and how to proceed for De Ligt," said Romano.

He continued:

“But, in general, signing one more centre-back remains a concrete possibility. They’re waiting for some outgoings and some factors as part of the story, but they keep working on the centre-back situation.”

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has also been mentioned as a target for Manchester United this year.

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Manuel Ugarte pursuit

Manchester United are still interested in signing Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan midfielder joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last year and enjoyed a decent debut campaign.

However, Luis Enrique has reportedly put him up for sale. Romano has previously stated that the Red Devils have already reached an agreement with Ugarte regarding personal terms.

The 23-year-old is seen as a replacement for Casemiro, who wasn't in his element last season. The Premier League giants are seeking an upgrade and have reportedly set their sights on Ugarte. They are now working to strike a deal with their Ligue 1 counterparts.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano stated that the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, could play a key role in negotiations.

“United already have the green light for Manuel Ugarte as a potential new midfielder, the contract has been discussed and – this is an important detail – with the same agent who takes care of Leny Yoro, Jorge Mendes,” wrote Romano.

He continued:

“Jorge Mendes is still a very big name, obviously, in the market, and Manchester United also have a very good relationship with Paris Saint-Germain – another important point. If PSG receive the right proposal this is a story that could be a concrete one in the next days, in the next few weeks.”

Romano also provided an update on rumours linking Casemiro to Saudi Arabia.

“The exit of Casemiro remains an important part of the story, but honestly guys, I can’t confirm anything regarding rumours that United are having trouble selling him, which could cause problems on Ugarte and so on, no,” wrote Romano.

He added:

“Interest from Saudi in Casemiro remains but sometimes it just takes time to agree on contract, transfer fee and more.”

Casemiro is under contract with Manchester United until 2026.