Man Utd checks interest in another Aston Villa player to fix a tricky spot
Manchester United have reportedly made a late move to sign another Aston Villa player as they continue their search for a new left-back.
So far, United have spent about £150 million on new midfielders. They signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for around £50 million before bringing in Youri Tielemans from Villa for £35 million. Earlier this week, long-time target Carlos Baleba joined from Brighton for £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons. But with the deadline coming up on Tuesday, it’s clear they still need to strengthen their defense.
Finding a left-back to challenge Luke Shaw, who is in the last year of his contract, is a big priority. Their top choice, Lewis Hall, probably won’t leave Newcastle this summer. Alejandro Balde also wants to stay at Barcelona, even though United reached out to see if a deal could happen.
Recently, names like Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander and El Hadji Malick Diouf, who joined Brentford on Friday, have been linked to the club. Now, United have surprised fans by making a move for Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen, according to transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke. This is part of their ongoing hunt for a left-back.
Maatsen got a chance in Villa’s first Premier League game after Lucas Digne left for PSG, but he had a tough time during the match. The 24-year-old might lose his place after Matteo Ruggeri arrived from Atletico Madrid this month.
On another note, Joshua Zirkzee is expected to go on a season-long loan to Fiorentina, possibly with an option to buy. It’s not clear yet if there’s an obligation to buy, according to Gazetta. United would prefer to sell him outright, but no club has made a permanent offer yet.
If Zirkzee leaves, United will likely need a new striker. They are ready to compete with Tottenham for Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic, says transfer expert Ben Jacobs.
“A left-back is clearly the priority. They’re also watching the No. 9 spot closely, and if Zirkzee goes, signing a striker will become even more urgent in the last hours or days of the window. But if United can’t strengthen, they can choose not to approve any moves,” Jacobs explained on Betway Insider.
Matanovic scored 11 Bundesliga goals last season and is seen as a potential future star for Croatia, following in the footsteps of Mario Mandzukic.