Man Utd target willing to take ‘£6m’ hit to seal Man City switch, ten Hag ‘wants’ Chelsea star at Old Trafford

For Manchester United, this summer’s transfer window represents a crucial juncture.

With a forgettable season coming to an end, and with new manager Erik ten Hag set to take the reins, the need for a positive and effective rebuild has arguably never been greater.

As always, there’s no shortage of speculation doing the rounds either, and with that in mind, we’ve gathered up all the latest and best gossip involving the Red Devils below...

Toon step up Henderson chase

Newcastle United want to sign United goalkeeper Dean Henderson this summer, and have now increased their interest in the Old Trafford stopper ahead of the transfer window opening.

According to a report from the print edition of the Sunday Mirror, the Magpies have stepped up their pursuit of the 25-year-old, and are hopeful of striking a deal that would take him to the north east in the coming months.

Toon boss Eddie Howe is understood to be keen on signing a new goalkeeper as an upgrade for current number one Martin Dubravka, and sees Henderson as the ideal replacement for the Slovakian international.

Any agreement for Henderson would not come cheap, however, with the Daily Star reporting that United are seeking a fee of around £40 million.

De Jong eyes City move

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is reportedly ready to forego almost £6 million in outstanding wages to seal a move to Manchester City instead of United this summer.

The Netherlands star has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since it was announced that Erik ten Hag would be joining the club at the end of the season, with the pair having previously worked together at Ajax.

But The Sun claim that de Jong would prefer a move to the Etihad, and is even willing to write off a bumper payout to make it happen.

The 25-year-old is understood to be on a wage packet of around £400,000-a-week after tax, and was one of a number of Barcelona players who defered a significant percentage of their salary during the height of the pandemic to help alleviate the club’s financial pressures.

But now it is suggested that de Jong would be willing to walk away from the money owed to him entirely if it means he can join City this summer.

United target Kante swoop

United are plotting a shock move for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to The Mirror.

It is understood that luring a top quality defensive midfielder to Old Trafford this summer remains a priority for the Red Devils, and the Frenchman has emerged as an unexpected target.

The report suggests that Chelsea are planning to reshuffle their options in the centre of the park this summer, and that could in turn make Kante available for an exit.