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Manchester United confident of landing £43m Matthijs de Ligt transfer from Bayern Munich- Paper Round
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Updated 07/07/2024 at 10:13 GMT+1
Manchester United are increasingly hopeful of signing Bayern Munich central defender Matthijs de Ligt, while their midfielder Donny van de Beek looks set to leave Old Trafford to join La Liga outfit Girona. Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly agreed terms with Arsenal, and Fulham hope to extend Brazilian winger Willian's stay at Craven Cottage.
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MAN UTD hope to land De Ligt
The Mirror reports that Manchester United are optimistic over their chances of signing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
The Dutch central defender is rated at £43 million, and manager Erik ten Hag has already been in touch.
The paper explains: “Manchester United are confident of signing Matthijs de Ligt in a deal worth around £43 million after manager Erik ten Hag stepped up his charm offensive to take the Bayern Munich defender to Old Trafford.
“Ten Hag has spoken to the Dutch centre-back to outline his plans for United following the club’s decision to trigger a one-year contract extension clause that means the 54-year-old will be in charge for the next two seasons. It’s hardly a ringing endorsement for Ten Hag by new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe following a prolonged search for a potential successor.
“But Ten Hag had already told De Ligt that his job was safe when they discussed how the 24-year-old will be the defensive rock on which he will continue to develop his United team - and the former Ajax star is now determined to force through the move after the Euros.
“Bayern do not want to lose the 24-year-old - and fans have launched a petition in a bid to persuade him to stay. It has already been signed by more than 16,000 supporters. But the Bundesliga club will not stand in his way if United meet their valuation.”
Van de Beek set for La Liga move
Donny van de Beek appears set to sign for La Liga side Girona on a cut-price deal.
£430,000 is said to be enough to land the 27-year-old Dutchman after years of toil at Old Trafford.
The Daily Express relays reports from abroad, explaining: "Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is reportedly set to complete a permanent move to La Liga side Girona, with the operation set to cost just £430,000 in total.
“Van de Beek arrived at Old Trafford four years ago with much promise, having played a key role in Ajax's run to the Champions League semi-final, but failed to live up to that expectation and also had unsuccessful loan spells with Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt.
“He spent the second half of last season with the Bundesliga club, who had a purchase option of £8.5m but decided against taking that up, instead Girona have moved to secure a cut-price deal.
“Girona, who secured Champions League football through a third-placed finish in La Liga last season, believe that Van de Beek is 'recoverable' after a disappointing few years in England. He is said to complete a move 'if nothing goes wrong' and will link up with another former United and Holland star in Daley Blind.”
Calafiori agrees terms with Arsenal
The Sun reports that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.
A deal between the clubs is yet to be struck, but Arsenal appear to have beaten Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain to the player.
The paper notes: “The 22-year-old impressed on his major tournament debut for The Azzurri this summer.
“He made three appearances for Luciano Spalletti's side in the Euro 2024 group stages and played on the left side of a back three.
“Calafiori's form attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
“The Italian has approved a five-year deal worth £3.4 million-a-year.
“But Arsenal are still yet to strike a deal with his club, Bologna.”
Fulham hope to renew Willian deal
William is out of contract at Fulham, but the Evening Standard believes the Premier League side hope to retain him.
He has offers from his native Brazil, but the veteran will only commit to a year-long deal.
The paper states: “Fulham are still yet to tie veteran winger Willian down to a new contract, after he too became a free agent this month.
“He is considering his options, with a number of Brazilian clubs interested in a short-term deal.
“Willian, who turns 36 next month, has said he is only willing to sign one-year contracts this late in his career.”
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