Man Utd ‘contact’ representative of in-demand France international as contract offer could precede loan move

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the representatives of one of European football’s most in-demand free agents.

Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga club as his current contract enters its final months. The France international has become a firm favourite in Germany after scoring 42 goals and providing 26 assists in 127 appearances since moving to Borussia in a £6m deal from French club Guingamp in the summer of 2019.

However, with negotiations over a new deal failing to reach a successful conclusion, Thuram is now all-but certain to ply his trade elsewhere next season, with several of Europe’s biggest clubs said to be showing an interest in his services. Italian news outlet CalcioMercato have suggested the Red Devils will compete with the likes of Juventus, Inter, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United to land the frontman on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Speaking recently about Thuram’s future, Borussia sporting director Roland Virkus seemed to confirm the forward’s departure, saying his club have to: ‘accept the fact that he will join a bigger club’.

Youngster to be offered new deal ahead of loan move

Erik ten Hag is reportedly preparing to hand a new deal to Facundo Pellistri - but will look to send the young forward out on loan next season.

The ten-times capped Uruguay international has made seven appearances in all competitions so far this season and is very highly-rated within the Old Trafford hierachy. Pellistri’s current contract will come to an end in the summer of 2025 but journalist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed the youngster will be handed an opportunity to pen an extension to his current deal before heading out on loan next season.

Speaking via his social media, he also suggested no decision had been made as yet but revealed talks are likely to take place in April.