Club chief makes ‘ready’ claim over Man Utd ‘target’ as transfer ‘deal struck’

Manchester United are now just a matter of hours away from their mouth-watering pre-season clash with Arsenal on Saturday night.

The Red Devils have continued their preparations Stateside following a win over Lyon in Scotland, and they are about to get a solid test in the form of a clash with likely Premier League title contenders Arsenal in New Jersey. At this time of the summer, the focus shifts from fitness to football, and Erik ten Hag will be looking for fringe players to start making their case.

As preparations step up a gear, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Amrabat update

United are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat, but a bid hasn’t been submitted yet, according to one of the Italian club’s chiefs.

90min say United, Liverpool and West Ham are all interested, but talk of a bid has been rubbished.

“He [Amrabat] is also very attached to the team and to me too, we speak in English and we talk almost every day,” Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone told Sky Sport Italy (via Metro). “At the moment nothing official has arrived, I told him to come here concentrated because he is a Fiorentina player.

“He must have his head here and be ready for the start of the league, then if something comes we’ll evaluate it. We have an already very strong midfield department.”

Savage decision

United have reportedly agreed to sell young talent Charlie Savage.

The Wales international failed to make it into Ten Hag’s squad for the USA trip, and the Manchester Evening News report that the midfielder will be allowed to leave permanently due to the competition in his position at Old Trafford. It’s claimed League One club Reading have agreed a deal to sign Savage as they look to win promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

United are said to have inserted both a buy-back option and a sell-on fee within the deal.