Erik ten Hag places midfielder on ‘transfer wishlist’ after Man Utd reach ‘100% agreement’

Manchester United are now stepping up preparations for the new season as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Erik ten Hag has already been backed significantly this summer, with Andre Onana set to join Mason Mount on United’s list of pricey incomings. Meanwhile, the search for a striker goes on, and United could well strengthen in other positions depending on exits, with midfield and defence both areas of some concern heading into the new season.

With all that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Amrabat interest

United are indeed interested in signing Morocco World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer insider wrote in his Guardian column: “A defensive midfielder is also on Erik ten Hag’s wishlist and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is among those under consideration but that position is less of a priority than a goalkeeper and centre-forward and a signing is likely only if at least one of Fred and Donny van de Beek leaves. Fred has interest from Premier League clubs including Fulham and from Galatasaray and Saudi Arabia.

“Amrabat, who impressed for Morocco at last year’s World Cup, also has admirers in Spain but Fiorentina will demand a significant fee and there is no indication his La Liga suitors have the money to do the deal. West Ham have asked to be kept informed of developments and other clubs in England are monitoring the situation.”

Striker search update

As for United’s striker search, it seems Rasmus Hojlund is the chosen one, with the club having already reportedly ‘agreed’ personal terms.

Romano has tweeted: “Manchester United are preparing their opening bid for Rasmus Højlund! Told personal terms are 100% agreed. He wants United. Atalanta told United they don’t want 3 players offered in the deal after initial talks. Asking price around €65/70m. Next step: official bid.”

Hojlund may be a risk for United given he is still relatively unproven, but they are not going to get a fully proven striker in the prime for the money they are willing to spend on a frontman.