Manchester United have received a massive setback in the summer transfer window.
According to the Athletic, Fulham are set to sign Man United transfer target Sander Berge from Burnley.
The Cottagers are paying a fee worth £20 million plus £5m in potential add-ons.
If the deal goes through, Fulham will shift their focus away from Scott McTominay, having already seen two bids for him rejected by United.
With a £10m valuation gap that United expected Fulham to close, it is increasingly improbable that they will land both Berge and McTominay this summer.
The Red Devils hoped to use proceeds from McTominay’s sale to secure their top transfer target Manuel Ugarte.
Paris Saint-Germain value the 23-year-old at £51m but United want them to lower their demand.
£30m from McTominay’s sale could have given United a significant financial boost to get the deal done with PSG.
There were also reports linking that United are keen to land both Ugarte and Berge.
However, that would have been challenging considering the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
McTominay has shown an inclination to stay at Old Trafford by not forcing his move to Fulham.
While few United fans might be disappointed, this stance highlights his commitment to the club. Unlike some players, McTominay is not driven by financial incentives to remain at United.
He currently earns only £60,000 per week, less than the likes of Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof.
Fulham would have likely handed him a substantial increase if he had forced the Red Devils to sell him.
McTominay proved his value to the team last season with 13 goal contributions.
Erik ten Hag views him as a game-changer, which is evident from his decision to bring the 27-year-old on as a substitute to break the deadlock last Friday.
The recent report revealed a move for Ugarte is independent of McTominay’s departure.
We believe United should sell the Academy product only for the right offer.
However, they must make a move for Ugarte even if it means making him join on the transfer deadline day.
Stats from capology.com.
