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Manchester United 'still looking to add a new forward and midfielder to squad'

Man United 'still looking to add a forward and midfielder to squad'
© Reuters
Manchester United still hope to sign at least two more players before the end of the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly still hopeful of signing at least two more players before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have boosted their squad with three new additions thus far, bringing in Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, while Christian Eriksen has arrived on a free transfer.

Man United have allowed the likes of Andreas Pereira, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata all to leave this summer, though, as part of a squad overhaul.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the 20-time English champions still want to sign a new midfielder and a forward, while a move for a new right-back is also a possibility at this stage.

The report claims that Frenkie de Jong remains the team's priority midfield target despite his apparent desire to remain with Barcelona this summer.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona on April 18, 2022© Reuters

De Jong is allegedly owed in the region of £14m by Barcelona in deferred wages, which is believed to be one of the main problems currently preventing Man United from securing his signature.

The Catalan giants have been active this summer despite their financial issues, with Jules Kounde following Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski to the club.

Despite maintaining that De Jong is not for sale, Barcelona are privately believed to be pushing for him to leave, with Man United confident that they will eventually get a deal over the line.

Meanwhile, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is also said to be desperate to sign a new attacker this summer.

Man United director John Murtough is believed to have met with the agent of Red Bull Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko last week to discuss the possibility of a switch to Manchester.

Ajax's Antony is also said to still be a target despite claims that he had been priced out of a switch to Old Trafford.

Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko pictured in June 2022© Reuters

The saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo is an unwanted distraction for Ten Hag ahead of the new season, but Man United continue to insist that the Portuguese is not for sale despite his desire to depart.

An exit for Ronaldo could lead to the Red Devils bringing in two new attackers, although a move for De Jong would take up a chunk of the club's transfer budget following the recent move for Martinez.

Man United will take on Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in their final two pre-season games this weekend before beginning their 2022-23 Premier League campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.

Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho were all in strong form during the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, but the team are currently short of attacking options, with Mason Greenwood still suspended.

A new goalkeeper is also expected to arrive before the end of the transfer window, with Tom Heaton the only senior back-up to David de Gea at this stage following Dean Henderson's loan move to Nottingham Forest.

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Written by
Matt Law

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