Manchester United in advanced talks to sign Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui; Morocco international's arrival depends on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving with West Ham in negotiations for right-back; Man Utd's talks over a move for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt remain open
Monday 29 July 2024 19:44, UK
Talks are advancing between Manchester United and Bayern Munich over a deal for right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
The Morocco international, who West Ham had previously been interested in, is keen to join Erik ten Hag's side and personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
West Ham had agreed a £16.5m (€19.5m) fee for the 26-year-old but the deal broke down.
Mazraoui's potential move to Old Trafford could depend on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving Man Utd.
The Hammers are now in advanced talks over the right-back, with one source claiming the clubs are close to an agreement. Man Utd's asking price is understood to be in excess of £15m.
The 26-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at United and wants to assess all his options.
Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:
"There are a few attractive reasons United are interested in Mazraoui, not just his availability and then his affordability, which would be funded by Aaron Wan-Bissaka's exit, but it's because he is very familiar with Erik ten Hag's attacking principles and his requirements out of possession.
"They worked together very successfully at Ajax, and one of the cruxes of this is that there's a feeling he could actually bring out the best in Antony's game because, on the right flank, they linked up superbly.
"Mazraoui compliments Antony's game really well, enhances his strengths, covers for him, and that partnership really was the spark of Ajax's attacking play. They built up a lot through that right flank and Ten Hag is trying to replicate that because a lot of United's play at the moment comes down the left-hand side.
"They need to get that balance with some attacking impetus down the right, which they believe he would add if he joins."
While Manchester United discuss a deal for Mazraoui with Bayern Munich, talks are still open with the German club over Matthijs de Ligt.
Mazraoui and De Ligt have the same representative.
Rather like at right-back, United need to create squad space and budget before bringing in another centre-back.
Victor Lindelof could be key as he, too, is into the final year of his contract at United.
Man Utd going into the market again in that position is likely to depend on departures rather than the injury sustained by new signing Leny Yoro.
Sky Sports News understands Bayern still want to sell De Ligt, despite the injury suffered by their new signing Hiroki Ito, who will be out for two to three months.
Sky in Germany are reporting Vincent Kompany's side remain intent on pursuing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.
The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
