Transfer Gossip: Man Utd to hijack Ajax deal for RB Leipzig forward Ten Hag knows well

Erik ten Hag is ready to disappoint his old club Ajax by scuppering their deal for RB Leipzig forward Brian Brobbey and bringing him to Manchester United, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims Chelsea are closing in on another signing from Manchester City.

TEN HAG AIMS TO SCUPPER AJAX FORWARD DEAL

Manchester United have reportedly begun talks to scupper Ajax’s move to sign striker Brian Brobbey from RB Leipzig.

The Red Devils are in need of a new frontman after Edinson Cavani left on a free transfer, while recent doubts have emerged over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future – despite United’s insistence that their star man is going nowhere.

United are said to have reignited their interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. However, the Serie A attacker will cost around £85m, which is significantly more than Brobbey.

The 20-year-old frontman actually began his career at Ajax before joining Leipzig last summer. But after struggling in Germany he rejoined the Dutch outfit on loan with an option to buy back in January.

However, Bild claims that Ten Hag is ready to get one over on his old club and bring Brobbey to Old Trafford.

The young forward scored seven goals in 11 games playing under Ten Hag, who was clearly impressed.

Brobbey more one for the future

At this stage, Brobbey is not yet considered strong enough to lead the United line. However, he has huge potential and would only cost in the region of £12-13million.

In an ideal world, the Red Devils keep Ronaldo and have Brobbey learning from the Portuguese master.

However, Ronaldo appears determined to seal an Old Trafford exit so United may have to add to their forward options further.

AKE CLOSING IN ON CHELSEA RETURN

Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly accelerated their talks over the potential transfer of Nathan Ake.

The two clubs have been locked in talks throughout the summer window, although those discussions have mostly centred around a deal for England winger Raheem Sterling.

The City attacker is expected to end his seven-year Etihad stay by heading to Stamford Bridge. The fee is expected to be around £45million, rising to £55m with add-ons.

But Thomas Tuchel also has interest in another City star in the form of Ake.

The Blues boss is a big fan of the Netherlands international. And it looks like the 27-year-old is on the move.

The Times reports that talks of Ake have ‘accelerated’ over the past few days, with the personal terms also discussed.

City coughed up £41m to sign Ake in 2020 and said to want nearer to £50m for a sale.

The centre-back actually began his career at Stamford Bridge, making seven Premier League appearances. He joined Bournemouth in 2017, but now looks set for a return to west London.

LIVERPOOL DUO NEXT IN LINE FOR NEW DEALS

Following the announcement of Joe Gomez’s new deal, two more Liverpool stars are now expected to follow suit.

Goal claims that midfielder Naby Keita and forward Diogo Jota are next in line to extend their Anfield stays.

Keita has been tipped to move on this summer, with one year left on his contract. However, the report claims that Jurgen Klopp wants to keep the Guinea international.

As for Jota, the Portuguese has been in and out of the Reds team but is a versatile attacking option.

Jota is able to fill all three forward roles and has scored 24 goals in 54 Liverpool games.

The addition of Darwin Nunez, coupled with Sadio Mane’s exit, is set to see Jota carry on his role as an occasional starter but nonimal backup for the central and wide attacking roles.