Reports suggest this morning that Manchester United’s acquisition of Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be finalised in the coming days, with his medical already booked for Tuesday.
After the Moroccan has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, United will then presumably put the blinkers on in pursuit of his Bayern Munich counterpart Matthijs de Ligt.
The club saw a joint bid rejected for the pair on Friday, which prompted ‘bemusement’ from the players’ representatives and agent, Rafaela Pimenta, given that Bayern had made it clear heading into the summer that the two were essentially deemed surplus to requirements.
United step up efforts to acquire centre-back depth
It’s thought that Leny Yoro’s unfortunate injury setback, which has seen him sidelined for three months, has forced United’s hand into accelerating their pursuit of a centre-half. De Ligt certainly looks the most likely, but should Bayern continue to rebuff the Reds’ proposals, they could return for Jarrad Branthwaite.
However, such a situation would frustrate De Ligt, as he is adamant about completing the switch to Old Trafford and reuniting with former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube last night that the 24-year-old has ‘no intention’ of continuing with Bayern; his ‘clear plan’ is signing for United before deadline day.
