Newcastle enter race for Ten Hag ‘approved’ Man Utd target; €50m bid required to seal deal

Harry Watkinson
Manchester United and Newcastle target Axel Disasi in action for Monaco
Manchester United and Newcastle target Axel Disasi in action for Monaco

Manchester United and Newcastle are both keen on signing AS Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi this summer, according to reports.

The 25-year-old is considered to be one of the top defenders in Ligue 1. So, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the race.

Disasi has caught the attention of several European clubs. But, it’s thought he is keen on a switch to the Premier League. So, Man Utd or Newcastle is his most likely destination, as it stands.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, the Red Devils are pushing hard for Disasi after they missed out on their top centre-back target, Kim Min-jae.

It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his defence this summer, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire at the moment.

Therefore, a bid from Man Utd is expected for Disasi in the near future.

Last season, the France international played in all of Monaco’s league games. In the process, he helped his team to nine clean sheets and scored three goals.

Disasi also captained the team on several occasions. So, he is an influential figure off the pitch, as well as on it for Monaco.

Clearly, he is exactly the kind of player Man Utd could do with signing this summer. But, Newcastle are also keen.

That is according to reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

On Twitterhe wrote: “Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet.

“Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco.

“Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco.”

Like Ten Hag, Eddie Howe is also keen to add at least one quality centre-back to his squad this summer.

That is despite the performances of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar being key to Newcastle’s success last season.

Indeed, the centre-back pairing helped the Magpies achieve the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League.

However, Howe is keen to bring in competition for the duo. For instance, Newcastle have been linked with Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio recently, who is, ironically, also a Man Utd target.

But now, it seems Newcastle are determined to sign Disasi instead. However, he won’t come cheap.

Monaco have reportedly slapped a €50m (approx. £42.7m) price tag on the Frenchman. So, it will be interesting to see if Man Utd or Newcastle match that amount this summer.

READ MORE: All the Premier League completed transfers so far in the summer window of 2023