Man Utd deal with ‘frustrations in landing key targets’ – move for £68m-rated star is ‘problematic’
According to reports, Man Utd have been left feeling frustrated in their attempts to sign their key midfield targets this summer.
Erik ten Hag has become United’s new permanent manager ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
They endured a torrid season last year as they ended up finishing sixth in the Premier League.
De Jong chase and Ten Hag autonomy exposes Manchester United’s transfer failures
The Dutchman would have likely been keen for United to get most of their business done early this summer. They have not managed to do this though.
Up to now, the only player they have brought in is Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. They are also well-positioned to sign Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen in the coming days.
The Telegraph are reporting that United’s ‘original priority’ this summer was to ‘strengthen their midfield’.
They have been impacted by ‘delays and frustrations’ in the market. It is noted that their pursuit of FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong ‘remains fraught with difficulties’.
Man Utd are also targeting Ajax winger Antony. A deal for him is ‘problematic’ as the Dutch side are still asking for £68m this summer. His contract expires in 2025.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have reportedly placed a £20m price tag on Carney Chukwuemeka amid speculation that Arsenal and Man Utd have joined the race for his signature.
The 19-year-old, who was born in Austria, has played 19 senior matches in his career after coming through the youth ranks at Villa Park.
Chukwuemeka started two of his 11 appearances in the Premier League last season before starring for England under-19s at the European Championship this summer.
The Aston Villa youngster was named in the Team of the Tournament as the young Three Lions side won the competition in Slovakia.
Those performances have put him on the radar of a number of clubs this summer with Arsenal, Man Utd, Newcastle, Man City, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona all reportedly interested.
And now talkSPORT claim that Aston Villa have ‘put a £20million price tag’ on him with the English youngster out of contract in a year’s time.
In January he would have the chance to sort a pre-contract agreement with a club from abroad if Villa don’t tie him down to a new deal soon.