(Football news) The Red Devils have announced the recruitment of Rene Hake to the coaching staff and the return of club great Ruud van Nistelrooy as Erik ten Hag’s new assistant, thus there is already a strong Dutch link at Old Trafford.
Man United has not yet formally finalized their first summer signing of the INEOS era, but it is reported that they have an agreement with Bologna to sign Zirkzee, a striker, for a little over €40 million, to be paid over three years.
In addition to signing a five-year contract, Zirkzee is scheduled to go through a medical. The Red Devils are actively trying to get De Ligt, a center-back for Bayern Munich, and reports indicate that negotiations are “proceeding well.”
De Ligt is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Manchester United, while Vincent Kompany’s side are demanding around £42m for the Netherlands international.
Manchester United interested in signing Xavi Simons
Manchester United’s Dutch raid is seemingly not over just yet, as per the reports that the Red Devils are lining up a ‘shock’ move for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Xavi Simons.
The 21-year-old was on the scoresheet as the Netherlands suffered a 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 earlier this week.
Having now exited the tournament, Simons is said to be facing a ‘big decision’ over his club future, with Manchester United ‘hot on his heels’ as they, along with Bayern Munich, express a strong interest in the versatile attacker.
Simons excelled on loan at RB Leipzig last season, scoring 10 goals and registering 15 assists in 43 games across all competitions, a year after PSG triggered the £5.1m buy-back clause in his deal at PSV Eindhoven.
As things stand, Simons is set to return to PSG, but the attacker has allegedly informed the French giants of his desire to leave this summer.
Simons ‘identified’ as Fernandes replacement
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United’s interest in Simons could see the club prepare for life after captain Bruno Fernandes departs the club.
The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the Red Devils side since joining the club in January 2020, scoring 79 goals and providing 66 assists in 233 appearances across all competitions.
However, Fernandes has allegedly informed Saudi Pro League clubs that he would be open to the possibility of making a summer switch to the Middle East.
The Portugal international has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and a recent report claimed that Man United do not view negotiating a new deal with the playmaker as an immediate priority.
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