Manchester United are chasing a deal for a Monaco star that could spell the final the end for a big-money flop, Tottenham are looking to swap a £21.6m man for a Serie A talent, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims Aston Villa are hoping to sign a Marseille star.
CONTACT MADE AS TEN HAG MAKES PLANS TO SIGN AXEL DISASI
Erik ten Hag is keen to bring Axel Disasi to Manchester United in a deal that will likely spell the end for a big-money star.
The World Cup finalist has emerged as one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 following his move to Monaco in 2020.
Partnering Benoit Badiashile before their partnership was broken up by his move to Chelsea, the two men were rocks at the heart of defence.
And while Monaco have since lost the former in a £32.7m move to Chelsea, his defensive partner Disasi may soon be following him to England.
Ten Hag is still keen to strengthen his United squad this month after signing Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst.
And while funds remain tight, Ten Hag is adamant United can still do business if the right opportunity comes along.
As a result, reports on Sunday suggested a move for Dusan Vlahovic this month remains a possibility.
However, after witnessing his side ship four goals in two games, including three in Sunday’s loss at Arsenal, Ten Hag remains dissatisfied with his defence.
And, per reports in France, he has now made contact with Disasi in a bid to bring him to Old Trafford.
United have already been linked with the 24-year-old on multiple occasions this month. However, he has is seemingly emerging as a genuine target for Ten Hag with contact now made.
However, per Telefoot, Monaco are unlikely to sell the star this month, having already lost Badiashile.
But a summer move to Old Trafford looks likely with Manchester United expected to hold off fellow suitors Bayern Munich.
United signing of Disasi will spell end for Harry Maguire
The capture of Disasi, who can also operate at right-back, carries obvious appeal for Ten Hag.
Valued at around the £40m mark, he looks the perfect addition to Ten Hag’s side.
However, his signing will likely prove the final nail in the coffin for Harry Maguire.
The £80m man has been brutally cast aside by Ten Hag this season. Initially losing his place to Lisandro Martinez, the ultimate humilation was still to come. That was after left-back Luke Shaw – never before used in central defence – was picked to play there ahead of him.
Maguire has already been linked with a loan move to West Ham this month. However, Ten Hag would reportedly prefer a permanent sale, though he accepts United will need to take a massive financial hit.
All the same, Maguire is likely to move on either in the next week or, more likely, come the summer.
READ MORE: Fallen Man Utd star told it’s game over after masterful Ten Hag move, with in-Prem switch already mooted
TOTTENHAM MAKE PLAYER SWAP BID FOR NICOLO ZANIOLO
Tottenham have launched an offer to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma, having tracked the player for several months.
Speculation over Antonio Conte’s future continues to linger at Spurs, amid strong claims on Sunday that he will exit this summer.
Perhaps more worryingly, a report has also outlined Tottenham plans are already underway to appoint his successor with a serial-trophy winner targeted.
All the same, it is business as usual this month – and efforts are being made to strengthen Spurs’ squad.
Their two obvious weaknesses are at the top of Fabio Paratici’s wishlist, with a new right-back first up. But while talks to sign Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon appear to have stalled they could have more joy in landing a new attacking midfielder.
And with that being the other problem position in Conte’s squad, Spurs have launched a bid for Roma star Zaniolo.
The 23-year-old has just 18 months left on his Roma deal and talks over an extension have failed to see agreement reached.
As such, they are ready to let him leave for a fee of around £26.3m (€30m).
However, per reports on Monday, Tottenham have launched a bid to bring Zaniolo to the club. And to grease the wheels, it is claimed they have offered Roma Bryan Gil as part of a swap.
The Spaniard has failed to convince since signing in a £21.6m deal. And while he has been back in the side of late, Conte is ready to move him on and they hope Roma will accept their proposal.
Roma, however, are thought to be prefer unwanted Chelsea man Hakim Ziyech instead.
VILLA STILL HOPEFUL ON MATTEO GUENDOUZI DEAL
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is still hopeful of securing the signing of Matteo Guendouzi this month.
The Spanish coach was responsible for bringing the France midfielder to Arsenal during their time together at Emirates. And while both their times in north London quickly turned sour, Emery is hoping for a reunion at Aston Villa.
Now at Marseille, Guendouzi’s form earned him a place in France’s World Cup squad.
As a result, Marseille are reluctant to cash in on the midfielder. However, the Express & Star claims Villa are ready to persist and will make a move before the transfer window closes.
Villa have been in excellent form since Emery’s appointment. And the remarkable Premier League table since he took charge should get Villa fans extremely excited.
The article claims Villa still hope for more business this month with a new striker also on their wanted list. But Guendouzi is also wanted with a new midfielder also very much in his thinking.
Per reports, Marseille would need an offer of around £25m to consider parting with the 23-year-old.
