EXPRESS SPORT provides live transfer updates as Manchester United enters a critical stage in the summer transfer window.
The clock is ticking down until Thursday night’s transfer deadline, and Manchester United still has a lot of work to do. Fortunately for Erik ten Hag and transfer chief John Murtough, Antony’s impending arrival may pave the path for further deals to move forward.
After months of pleading from both the player and the club, it appears like United may finally land Antony, with Ajax admitting defeat following a massive bid. The Brazilian was kept out of the last two matchday teams while attempting to push a move, and he arrived at Carrington yesterday to complete his medical.
Frenkie de Jong raised a sensation this week when he jetted off to London with Memphis Depay amid links to Manchester United and Chelsea, but others suggest the trip was for personal reasons. The Red Devils could still do business with Barcelona, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Dest reportedly engaged in a swap proposal.
Dubravka is preparing for medical school.
According to trade specialist Fabrizio Romano, Martin Dubravka is set to have a physical with Manchester United today ahead of a loan deal from Newcastle United.
All eyes have been on Antony, who is likely to be confirmed today after completing a big-money deal from Ajax, but Erik ten Hag has also been working hard to secure the services of a backup goalkeeper.
Dubravka, who has a season-long loan agreement and a permanent buy option with the Magpies, might be unveiled shortly after the Brazilian.
Barcelona commerce
According to rumors in Spain, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Dest could be involved in a swap deal between Manchester United and Barcelona.
Wan-Bissaka has been demoted to the bench, with Diogo Dalot taking his place, while Xavi chose Jules Kounde to play right-back in Barcelona’s final match against Valladolid.
As a result, the two out-of-favor stars might assist each club address an issue at this late stage of the window. Erik ten Hag and Dest have a history, with the American teenager departing Ajax for Camp Nou in 2020.
De Jong in the United Kingdom
When Frenkie de Jong was photographed about to board a flight heading for London on Monday, he generated a whirlwind of curiosity.
Manchester United and Chelsea had been interested in signing him all summer, but the Dutchman felt he owed it to Barcelona.
According to several accounts, the vacation, which also included Memphis Depay, was taken for personal reasons, with Barcelona players given two days off.
United fans will hope that his visit to England this late in the transfer window isn’t simply a coincidence, since Erik ten Hag is still a fan of the midfielder.
Antony makes an announcement
According to trade specialist Fabrizio Romano, Brazilian winger Antony has finished his Manchester United medical and will be announced as the club’s new acquisition later today.
United and Ajax eventually agreed on an £84 million deal for the 22-year-old, who has never played in one of Europe’s “big five” clubs.
Antony was left out of Ajax’s past two matchday squads while attempting to secure a transfer, and he is on the verge of fulfilling his desire just two days before the summer transfer deadline.
Ronaldo ‘might have a club.’
Cristiano Ronaldo may have discovered a way out of Manchester United before the transfer deadline on Thursday…
On The Athletic’s United podcast, Talk of the Devils, well-connected club journalist Andy Mitten revealed that he had heard a team was interested in signing Ronaldo.
He stated: “If you ask me now whether he’ll stay or go, I’d say he’ll go. People have told me in the last few days that he could be able to join a club.”
Napoli, who has been heavily linked with a bid for the 37-year-old striker in recent days, maybe that team.
Only time will tell with only three days left…
Ten Hag will travel to Memphis.
According to the Star, Erik ten Hag will meet with Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in the next 24 hours to explore a possible return to Manchester United.
Memphis has been extensively linked with a move to Manchester United since his deal with Juventus fell through earlier this summer.
Barca is said to be eager to terminate the 29-year-old Dutchman’s contract in order to get him off the payroll.
And, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future uncertain, United is looking for forwarding reinforcements…
