Third Man Utd signing named as Fabrizio Romano confirms Ten Hag has greenlighted €40m Newcastle transfer hijack

James Marshment 10 Jul 2023 7:21 AM

Man Utd transfers - Axel Disasi of Monaco is a target for Ten Hag

Manchester United are ready to finalise the signing of Newcastle target Axel Disasi from Monaco after Fabrizio Romano provided a firm update on Erik ten Hag’s transfer intentions.

The Red Devils manager is putting phase two of his United rebuilding programme underway. And after leading the club to a third-placed finish last time out, they are now looking to close that gap on all-conquering Manchester City at the top. In additon, Ten Hag wants United to make a sizeable splash on their return to Champions League football.

To begin with, Mason Mount has arrived in a £55m transfer from Chelsea. His signing gives Ten Hag lots of versatility across the midfield and attack.

A new goalkeeper in the form of Andre Onana is likely be the next to arrive. United will pay some £47m for David De Gea’s successor with a deal with Inter Milan close to being finalised. Ahead of Onana’s signing, Rio Ferdinand has, however, issued a strong warning to United.

Next in line was expected to be a new striker. However, Ten Hag also wants more central defensive cover with Eric Bailly set to join Harry Maguire in departing.

Finding a buyer for the latter remains an issue. But step one of the process of the England defender’s departure is underway amid claims he has been stripped of the United captaincy.

Now, according to Romano, the Red Devils are closing in on the signature of Disasi.

The France defender is regarded as one of the best centre-halves in Ligue 1. And, after starring on the international stage with France, he comes with a ringing endorsement from Raphael Varane.

Ten Hag approves Man Utd signing of Axel Disasi

Ten Hag has locked on to the signing of Disasi after seeing first-choice target Kim Min-jae opt instead for Bayern Munich.

Indeed, talks with the 25-year-old and his camp have been ongoing for a number of weeks.

However, with doubts emerging over United’s budget – together with their need to also bring in a new striker – it seemed as though the signing of Disasi was set to slip the net.

As a result, Newcastle were reportedly ready to move into pole position to sign the 6ft 3in defender, who can also cover at right-back.

To that end, Eddie Howe’s side were seemingly willing to pay the £34.2m (€40m) fee Monaco were demanding.

But it is the Red Devils who are ready to follow through with their initial interest. And Romano has provided an update on the situation, with Ten Hag firmly in favour of his signing.

Romano explained: “Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet.

“Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco.

“Ten Hag approved Disasi – talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco.”

Man Utd summer transfer business is far from finished

Per Metro, United’s first priority will be to wrap up the signing of Onana. But once that is done, then Disasi looks likely to be the next to arrive.

The classy defender’s arrival won’t be the last of the summer though. And once that deal is over the line, they will then turn their attentions towards a new striker. Atalanta frontman Rasmus Hojlund remains favourite with a fee of €60m likely.

The Red Devils also retain an interest in Randal Kolo Muani. However, his €100m fee looks far more problematic. And their hopes of landing the France striker will depend entirely on the club offloading a number of unwanted stars.

Ten Hag’s summer budget reportedly stands at £120m, with any extras coming from player sales.

Deals for Onana and Mount alone attribute for £102 of that. The signing of Disasi will take that summer spending up to the £136m mark. As such, the identity of their striker signing may wholly depend on how much additional income United can generate in the meantime.

Manchester United Erik ten Hag Axel Disasi