Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd striker signing is ‘done’; second deal at risk after Chelsea make their move

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during a training session at the Aon Training Complex, Greater Manchester

Erik ten Hag taking Manchester United training

Fabrizio Romano revealed a Man Utd striker signing is ‘done’ and penning the official contract is all that remains, while a second deal is being explored, though Chelsea have stolen a march.

The Red Devils were faced with the unenviable task of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in January. Ultimately, Erik ten Hag settled on Wout Weghorst who arrived on a six-month loan from Burnley.

However, the veteran Dutchman is only a short-term fix and a far higher profile signing at centre-forward will be explored in the summer.

Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are on United’s radar at present. TEAMtalk exclusively revealed a third target is also admired by the club, though they’re not alone in that regard with Chelsea and Arsenal watching on too.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail reported in late-January Man Utd were closing in on a deal to sign Cardiff City wonderkid, Gabriele Biancheri.

The 16-year-old striker has burst onto the scene after notching a remarkable 17 goals in 11 matches for the club’s Under-16s.

That resulted in a promotion to the Under-21s, and also aroused the interest of Man Utd and Chelsea.

The Mail reported it was United that acted decisively and struck an agreement that’ll see the Wales Under-17 international sign a scholar deal at Old Trafford.

Now, via his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the status of the move, describing it as “done” with only the contract left to be signed.

Announcement date hinted; four-year contract ready

“One deal done for Manchester United involves Gabriele Biancheri,” continued Romano. “I understand the deal is signed for this boy.

“He’s a striker, a Wales [youth] international and the reality is a deal is done.

“Everything is agreed between Man Utd and Cardiff. The player has already passed his medical and he just needs to sign the contract.

“It’ll happen in the next [few] weeks and it’ll be a four-year deal with Man Utd. Bianchieri has already accepted and he had other possibilities in England, but he’ll join Man Utd.”

Romano concluded by confirming Biancheri will join United’s academy upon arrival.

Second Man Utd deal must go through Chelsea

Another rising star on United and Chelsea’s radar is Ecuadorian hotshot, Kendry Paez.

The left-footed central midfielder is only 15, though despite his tender age, is quickly amassing an all-star list of suitors.

Aside from Chelsea and United, Romano noted Man City and Bayer Leverkusen from Germany like what they’ve seen.

Romano revealed the two Manchester clubs are both exploring a deal right now, though it’s Chelsea who’ve taken the first step towards securing a deal by making contact with his club Independiente del Valle.

“Chelsea want him,” said Romano. “And Chelsea are absolutely in contact to sign Kendry Paez.

“Also Man Utd and Man City are exploring the conditions of the deal. He’s playing for Independiente del Valle, but also we have to include Bayer Leverkusen in the list of club’s interested.

“Super young talent so it’ll take some time to see him performing in Europe. But all these clubs are monitoring him as a top talent for present and future.

“Remember the name because there is strong interest in this boy.”

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