Sources: Manchester United midfielder plan revealed as sales NOT a relevant factor

Manchester United are planning on signing at least one midfielder for Erik ten Hag this summer regardless of sales, UtdDistrict understands.

Manchester United kicked off the 2024 transfer window with a statement, securing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and beating Real Madrid to sign Leny Yoro from Lille.

These signings, totaling £88 million, mean United now need to generate funds through player sales. The departures of Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, and Donny van de Beek have already begun this process.

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With their sights set on further strengthening, United are now prioritizing the acquisition of a midfielder, right-back, and centre-back. The club is strongly linked with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, signalling their intent to significantly bolster their defensive lineup.

However, the club is also looking to reinforce its midfield, and although there have been rumours that the club has to sell in order to sign, this is not the case.

UtdDistrict have learned that Manchester United plan to sign a new midfielder before the end of the transfer window, regardless of whether any other sales are completed before the deadline day.

Ideally, the club would want to bring in two midfielders before the end of August, but signing a second player in the position would depend on outgoings.

It is understood that one player that the club have held talks with is AS Monaco and French international Youssouf Fofana and that the club are looking into a potential transfer.

However, there is a sticking point with Fofana. Reports from Italy state that his current preferred destination is AC Milan, although United’s substantial offer has given the player reason to reconsider his initial stance.

While Fofana is reportedly open to a move to United, the Serie A and Ligue 1 clubs interested in him still have differing valuations, which could create an opportunity for United to join the competition. His value is estimated to be between £17-20 million, according to various sources.

Despite his desire to leave, Fofana remains professional and is committed to staying available for his manager, Adi Hutter, should a transfer not go through.

“I have spoken about it with the [AS Monaco] hierarchy, it isn’t a secret. We had exchanges, and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage,” Fofana said earlier this summer, surrounding a potential move.

“If [a move] doesn’t happen, I still have a year left, and I will be happy to stay. We were in agreement that we would accompany each other in this process in which everyone should be a winner, be it me or the club.”

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