Manchester United are considering their next move after Crystal Palace rejected their second bid for in-demand right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka has emerged as United’s primary target for their right-back position, with Antonio Valencia released, Ashley Young’s form deteriorating and Diogo Dalot not considered experienced enough yet to take on the job full time.
United have seen their initial £35m approach for Wan-Bissaka knocked back by Palace earlier this month, with Palace apparently responding by placing a £60m fee on his head and amid claims the player is keen on a switch to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have reacted by lodging a second bid for Wan-Bissaka – but much like the first one, it has been met with a less than enthusiastic response by the Eagles.
According to Sky Sports, United’s second bid compromised of the same £35m, but this time with another £15m in add-ons – taking the total deal to around the £50million mark.
However, it’s claimed the Eagles are seeking a larger downpayment and something much closer towards their £60m asking price before they consider selling the 21-year-old, who still has three years left on his Selhurst Park contract.
Saturday’s Guardian also claimed that Palace are exploring other ways in which they can maximise their profit from the deal – with the removal of Wilfried Zaha’s sell-on clause also one of their demands over the sale of Wan-Bissaka.
United are now thought to be weighing up whether to launch a third approach for Wan-Bissaka, though reports on Monday claim that PSV star Denzel Dumfries is emerging as their Plan B should efforts to sign the former fail.
However, Wan-Bissaka remains United’s No 1 choice and the club are expected to try again in a bid to twist Palace’s arm. The player is currently on duty with England’s U21s but is said to want his future resolved before he enjoys a holiday and prior to his return for pre-season training.
Any deal for the player is likely to break the existing world-record fee paid for a full-back, currently set at the £52m that Manchester City paid Monaco for Benjamin Mendy in summer 2017.
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