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Man Utd are plotting three deals in the same position to begin 2023, including a potential sale of a big-money struggler who’d then tee up a surprise new arrival, per Fabrizio Romano.
Two areas of Manchester United’s squad are expected to be addressed next month. Centre-forward will hoover up the most headlines, with their pursuit of Cody Gakpo accelerated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s mid-season exit.
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However, today’s update regards the other position due for an overhaul – right-back.
Erik ten Hag’s current options are Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The pair split time almost equally last season, though it’s been a wash-out this time around.
Wan-Bissaka has accrued just four minutes of Premier League action this term amid glaring concerns over his lack of offensive output.
TEAMtalk exclusively revealed Man Utd had put Wan-Bissaka up for sale on November 28. We understand two EPL clubs have entered the race to secure his signature.
Now, speaking via his YouTube channel, the reliable Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a Wan-Bissaka sale is one of three right-back deals United are pursuing to begin 2023.
Right-back where Man Utd action is at
The others involve a new contract for Dalot, as well as a replacement for Wan-Bissaka, should he be sold, of course.
Many United fans may have expected any new arrival to supersede Dalot in the pecking order. However, per Romano, if a new face does arrive, he’ll likely play second fiddle to Dalot who United are mightily impressed with.
Dalot’s current deal expires next summer, though the club hold an option for an extra 12 months. But rather than trigger it, Romano stressed the idea is to tie the Portuguese down for the long haul.
“Man Utd have decided internally to extend the contract of Diogo Dalot,” said Romano. “To negotiate on a new, long-term contract and make an offer.
“The second step: sell Wan-Bissaka and the third step is sign a new right-back.”
On the subject of when Dalot might receive United’s proposal, Romano added: “Right after the World Cup Man Utd want to meet with Dalot’s agent.”
Romano went on to claim United as well as Erik ten Hag have always been happy with Dalot both on and off the pitch. In the transfer guru’s words, Dalot has become a “super professional”.
He added Ten Hag “really appreciates” the Portuguese for his work ethic and keenness to learn and improve.
Man Utd chasing two right-backs
Regarding the profile of any new addition in the position, the trusted journalist suggested they’d be a back-up or at most competition for Dalot, rather than someone who’d displace him in the starting eleven.
That may rule United out of the race to sign Chelsea and Tottenham target Denzel Dumfries. Indeed, the Netherlands ace is thriving at the World Cup and Inter Milan have slapped a £51m price tag on his head.
That would be an eye-watering fee to sanction for a player unlikely to start regularly, meaning a cheaper alternative could be explored.
On that front, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, 21, has drawn links of late. Frimpong’s valuation is believed to be around £25m.
Source:Teamtalk