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Manchester United have started the summer with a bang, bringing in striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. Manager Erik ten Hag is likely to make further additions to his squad before the end of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are pushing to secure the services of Lille defender Leny Yoro this summer. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants remain keen to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 16, 2024:
Manchester United prioritising Leny Yoro move
Manchester United are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to bring Leny Yoro to Old Trafford, according to The Athletic. The French defender is among the finest young talents in the land and is on Real Madrid's radar.
Yoro is coming off a breakthrough season with Lille, appearing 44 times across competitions, all but four of which were starts. His efforts have convinced the La Liga champions, while the player is also keen to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman's contract expires in 2025, but he hasn't agreed a new deal yet.
Los Blancos are reluctant to pay the Ligue 1 side's asking price for the 18-year-old, which has opened up a window of opportunity for the Red Devils. The Premier League giants want a new defender this summer and are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt.
However, Manchester United would prefer to sign Yoro over the Dutch defender. They view the teenager as a generational talent with the ability to be among the best in the world. The player has elicited comparisons with Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool were initially in the race as well.
However, the Merseyside club are certain that the Frenchman will end up at Real Madrid and have left the race. The Red Devils, though, are refusing to throw in the towel just yet and are working hard to convince Yoro to move to Old Trafford.
They have apparently struck a deal with Lille for a move this summer and are waiting for a green signal from the 18-year-old.
Red Devils want Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United remain in hot pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Red Devils are eager to bolster their midfield before the start of the new campaign. A suitable replacement for Casemiro is on their agenda, with the Brazilian likely to leave this year.
Ugarte has popped up on their radar recently following a series of convincing performances for PSG. The Premier League giants are in conversation with their Ligue 1 counterparts to script a deal this summer.
Plettenberg has said that fresh talks have taken place recently, but a breakthrough isn't in sight yet. The 23-year-old is apparently keen to move to Old Trafford, while the Parisians are also open to his exit.
However, the Ligue 1 giants want close to €60 million to let him go, while Manchester United are hoping to get a deal done for £45 million. A move is likely to benefit all parties, so a compromise could be on the cards.
Erik ten Hag opens up on Joshua Zirkzee
Erik ten Hag believes Joshua Zirkzee will add another dimension to his team. The Dutch striker joined Manchester United from Bologna this month. The Red Devils were keen to rope in a new striker following Antony Martial's departure and wasted no time in securing Zirkzee.
The 23-year-old comes to Old Trafford in hot form, registering 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games across competitions last season. Arsenal were also linked with Zirkzee earlier this summer, but United eventually won the race.
Speaking to the club's website, Ten Hag was full of praise for his first signing of the summer.
"He is a player who can link up the game. Who can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, (make) combinations," said Ten Hag.
He continued:
"So that's a different type and always what we are looking for, so it gives us more options tactically, which is good because, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct and they can take a big benefit from his skills."
The Dutch manager went on to hint that the club are working on more signings.
"I think we showed we can beat the best team in the world on the last occasion of the season. So when everyone is fit, we already have a good team and achieve a high level. But also we know, in the depth, we need more players," said Ten Hag.
He added:
"Especially this season, again more games, the new model, the new format of Europe - you'll have more games in a season, more intense games, no winter break, a January that's very condensed. You need squad depth. Then it's more and more about survival of the fittest."
Zirkzee has signed a contract at Old Trafford till 2029.
