Man Utd deal set for ‘here we go’ confirmation from Romano; Red Devils also in talks for £39m Newcastle target
Man Utd are ‘closing in on deal’ to offload Alex Telles to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils are keen to get a number of players off their books this summer with rumours earlier this year that they could move on as many as 13 players for £100m.
Players like Fred and Harry Maguire look likely to depart, with the latter having the captaincy taken off him over the weekend, but it will also be important to get players like Telles and Eric Bailly, who were out on loan last term, off the books.
Telles and Bailly have been labelled ‘must-sells’ this summer and the former could now be the first of the pair to depart this summer with Romano claiming Al Nassr are close to a transfer.
Romano wrote on Twitter: “Al Nassr are closing in on deal to sign Alex Telles from Man United, here we go soon! There’s verbal agreement now in place between the two clubs, waiting for the documents/check details. Al Nassr want both Seko Fofana and Telles to join in the next days.”
Telles spent last season on loan at Sevilla, where he won the Europa League, after the 30-year-old was pushed down the pecking order at Man Utd by the signing of Tyrell Malacia.
With Maguire potentially leaving Old Trafford this summer, Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in reinforcements at centre-half with Monaco’s Axel Disasi emerging as a serious target.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that Man Utd and Newcastle are both in talks to sign Disasi with the two Premier League clubs ‘informed’ of his situation.
Monaco have set an asking price of €45m (£39m) for the France international with the Red Devils now turning their attentions to 25-year-old after missing out on Napoli’s Kim Min-jae earlier in the window.
Following Maguire’s announcement that he won’t be captain next season, Romano confirmed West Ham’s interest and the most likely candidate to replace him as skipper.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Another big Man United story over the weekend was Harry Maguire announcing that he’s no longer the club captain after a decision made by Ten Hag. The manager gave Maguire that very clear message, and it follows a long time of United considering Maguire available on the market. But it’s also true that Maguire wants to fight for his place and try to find a way to be part of this squad.
“At the same time, he knows very well that he is considered available on the market. It’s true that West Ham and other clubs are keen on Maguire, but the feeling is that these clubs could wait some days and weeks in case United reduce their asking price – this is why nothing is happening yet, but it’s on to watch.
“Who will be the new captain? From what I’m hearing Bruno Fernandes has more than good chances to be the new captain, but let’s wait from Ten Hag’s conversation with the squad.”