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Manchester United are “set to return” to Germany with a second bid “expected imminently” for Bayern Munich defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
As explained in greater detail by The Peoples Person here, United have already seen their opening “joint bid” for the former Ajax duo turned down by Bayern, who informed the Red Devils a “higher fee” would be required to complete the deal.
This was reportedly met with bemusement by Mazraoui and De Ligt’s agent- both represented by Rafaela Pimenta – and Old Trafford officials as they believed their offer had matched the demands the German club had laid out at the beginning of the transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano contends there was still a high level of “confidence” a compromise would be reached, however, with negotiations ongoing to unlock the deal.
The Italian transfer guru, in his Daily Briefing, writes that United have agreed personal terms with both Mazraoui and De Ligt on contracts running “until June 2029 plus option”, meaning five-year deals with the option of an additional twelve month extension – standard contractual procedure at Old Trafford.
Romano concludes by revealing both players are “only waiting for United” – a fact the club are likely to be using to try and drive Bayern’s price down during negotiations.
The Independent now states United are ready to launch a “second bid” which they will be hoping will be sufficient to convince the Bundesliga giant to sign off on their defenders double departure.
The acquisition of a new central defender took on greater importance following the news Leny Yoro – signed from LOSC Lille in a blockbuster transfer worth a potential €60 million – had suffered a metatarsal injury, ruling the 18-year-old centre-back out for three months.
United were coy in disclosing the extent of their new starlet’s potential absence with a report explaining Old Trafford officials were acutely aware of the leverage the injury would give Bayern in their negotiations over De Ligt.
And with the Premier League season set to get underway next Friday, with United welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford for the opening game on August 16, the pressure to secure the signings of De Ligt and Mazraoui is building and building.
However, Bayern are facing their own internal worries over transfers with the Bundesliga club still waiting to secure a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. The German international has signalled his intention to relocate to the Allianz Arena but Bayern first need to sell De Ligt in order to fund the move.
With both United and Bayern actively wanting to do a deal for De Ligt and Mazraoui, and both players articulating their desire to move to Old Trafford ahead of any other options, this feels a transfer that will be closed sooner rather than later.
And with a second bid “expected imminently”, Erik ten Hag’s former pupils at Ajax may just be available for selection against Fulham next week.
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