Manchester United have endured a slow start to the transfer window, with Tyrell Malacia the only arrival thus far despite the club leaving for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
The club has been embroiled in more than one protracted transfer saga this summer, with their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong taking centre-stage in a tumultuous summer.
Ten Hag would have liked to have the midfielder signed by now but negotiations with Barcelona have been difficult, with the latest development suggesting that the Catalan club are in debt to the Dutch international over deferred wages.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly denied reports of De Jong’s potential departure, insisting that he is not for sale unless they are forced to part ways.
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United remain in talks with Barcelona and now, it’s claimed that the Old Trafford club are working on up to four deals.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who say that in addition to De Jong, United’s football director John Murtough is working on deals to sign Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
Furthermore, it’s added that Murtough’s absence from the party that made the trip to Thailand was expected, whilst it remains unclear whether Richard Arnold will link up with the team.
SN’s verdict…
The latest update on United’s pursuit of Martinez suggests that although a deal is somewhat advanced, an improved bid will need to be made to persuade Ajax to sell their star man.
Martinez is one of several players involved in protracted transfer sagas this summer and Ten Hag will be disappointed to not have at least one of his prime targets secured already.
United begin their pre-season games on Tuesday against Liverpool and Malacia is expected to play in the Bangkok encounter, giving supporters their first glimpse of the former Feyenoord star.