Manchester United are unlikely to make any more signings in the transfer window, having spent the remaining budget on Ajax winger Antony, The Telegraph report.
The Brazil international is set to join the Red Devils in a deal worth £81 million plus £4m in add-ons, but the club were initially hoping to sign him for around £51m.
Due to the drastic difference in the package, it is claimed that United have no more money left to spend unless there are player sales before the transfer window closes.
A right-back and a midfielder are among priorities for manager Erik ten Hag. Thomas Meunier is the top target for the former of those positions, but a deal is unlikely.
Borussia Dortmund are open to offloading Meunier due to his high £130,000-a-week wages, but the move depends on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving for a decent fee.
The Red Devils have so far received only one loan offer for Wan-Bissaka, but Crystal Palace are being fancied to make a late £10m bid for their former academy graduate.
Ten Hag has reportedly turned down a reunion with Barcelona’s Sergino Dest due to his desire to land Meunier. It remains to be seen whether a move materialises for him.
Diogo Dalot has made a drastic improvement since Ten Hag was appointed manager. He produced his best performance at the weekend against Southampton.
The Portuguese was solid with his defensive showing over 90 minutes, and made the difference in the final third with a peach of a cross for Bruno Fernandes’ goal.
He has certainly cemented his spot on the back of that display, but Ten Hag will want strong competition for places. Wan-Bissaka has rarely impressed offensively.
If Dalot were to get injured, United may have to rely on Wan-Bissaka, who may not produce the same attacking output. Hence, bringing in Meunier makes sense.
Dortmund’s director Sebastian Kehl recently said that Meunier won’t be sold but if he were to leave the German club, he could be prised away for around £12.8m.
It is clear that United will make a significant loss on Wan-Bissaka, who cost them £50m three years ago. A deal for Meunier now depends on the 24-year-old’s permanent exit.
The post Erik ten Hag wants £130k-a-week star to replace £50m signing - report appeared first on Man Utd News.
