Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Ten Hag wants Man Utd to sign former Tottenham man excelling in Spain as price tag emerges

Giovani Lo Celso, Vinicius Jnr, Juan Foyth, Real Madrid v Villarreal in LaLiga

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly setting his sights on a versatile former Tottenham man who has taken his game to the next level during his time in Spain.

The Red Devils manager pushed through signings well in excess of £200m over the summer window as he looked to put his mark on the squad. After finishing sixth last time out, it was clear big chances would have to be made. And the early signs of his reign have shown plenty of early promise.

Indeed, wins over the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool have showed exactly what United are capable of. But in order to take his side to the next level, Ten Hag knows further adjustments will need to be made.

To that end, plans for the January window are now coming to fruition. The United manager wants to add to his strikeforce, having seen the club part company with Cristiano Ronaldo. On the subject of Ronaldo, Ten Hag has finally let emotions get the better of him over the veteran star’s turbulent exit.

Cody Gakpo looks the obvious candidate to come in, though there are several red flags around the star amid his new £65m asking price.

Ten Hag is also looking to make a decision over United’s goalkeeper situation. David De Gea’s deal expires at the end of the season. And while the club do hold a one-year option, they could also opt to let him leave.

With that in mind, reports that a deal for Yann Sommer is close to being agreed are gathering pace.

United ready to make move for Juan Foyth

However, the primary aim for the January window may well be the addition of a new right-back.

TEAMtalk exclusively revealed last month that a decision has been made to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave, with two Premier League suitors battling it out.

And bringing in competition to compete and cover for Diogo Dalot is now Ten Hag’s most pressing priority.

To that end, the Red Devils are reportedly considering a number of options with Jeremie Frimpong, Max Aarons and Denzel Dumfries among their targets.

However, reports in Spain claim Ten Hag is now on the trail of Villarreal defender Juan Foyth.

The Argentina defender has been playing with the Yellow Submarine since a 2020 move from Tottenham. Signing on an initial loan, the move was made a permanent £12.9m (€15m) deal in June 2021.

He has made 76 appearances for Villarreal, scoring twice, but impressing with his excellent performances.

Making his name as a centre-half, Foyth has been utlilised as a right-back during his time at El Madrigal.

And it is that ability to play across the defence which has led to reports claiming Ten Hag is keen.

Chelsea are also reportedly looking into a possible deal for the 16-times capped Argentina star.

But it is United who are reportedly leading the race. And the report claims Villarreal are seeking a fee of £36m (€42m) to consider the 24-year-old’s sale.

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