Manchester United have identified a new candidate to strengthen their midfield for Erik ten Hag, while Tottenham have the edge over them in the race for a dominant defender – all according to Wednesday’s transfer gossip.
MAN UTD MOVE FOR WARD-PROWSE
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has become a target for Man Utd, according to a report that says Erik ten Hag is “hell-bent” on strengthening his midfield.
Ward-Prowse has spent his whole career with Southampton, but could be on the move this summer. Ruben Selles’ side are likely candidates for relegation, which may make it hard for them to keep hold of the England international.
And according to Football Insider, Man Utd have joined several other Premier League clubs in the race for Ward-Prowse.
They would have to beat competition from the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa to get their man. But he seems to be under serious consideration by Man Utd.
In midfield, they signed Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer after failing to bring in Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona – a deal that remains out of reach this year too.
Casemiro has positively impacted Man Utd’s midfield, but his recent absences – at the same time Christian Eriksen has been out – have exposed how Man Utd still need more depth in the middle.
After all, Scott McTominay might pursue an exit in the summer. Furthermore, the future of Marcel Sabitzer after his loan spell from Bayern Munich remains unclear.
Now, Man Utd appear to have added Ward-Prowse to their wish list. It is not yet clear how much they might have to pay in order to sign him.
The free kick specialist is still under contract at St. Mary’s Stadium until 2026. However, Southampton dropping down to the Championship would weaken their negotiating stance.
Therefore, Man Utd might fancy their chances of signing Ward-Prowse, who has scored nine goals from 36 appearances this season and 53 from 400 across his whole Southampton career.
TRANSFER GOSSIP: TOTTENHAM OVERTAKE RIVALS FOR KIM
Elsewhere, Man Utd are also in the hunt for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae – but a report says Tottenham have a “slight advantage” in the race to sign him.
Kim, nicknamed the ‘Monster’, has impressed for the Serie A leaders in his debut season in Italian football. He has caught the attention of several clubs in the Premier League, where the Daily Mail says he would like to play.
Ready to offer him that next step would be Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham, per the report. As things stand, they could sign him by activating his release clause, which stands at around €45million/£39m.
While Napoli are working on a new contract to remove that clause, plans are being made by his suitors to bring him to the Premier League.
And according to the Daily Mail, Tottenham have a slight edge over their rivals for Kim. The reason is because they already have his South Korea teammate Son Heung-min among their ranks.
As long as Son stays with Spurs, he could help convince Kim to follow him to north London.
But Kim’s camp will also listen to interest from Man Utd and Liverpool, in addition to Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Fortunately for the three English sides, his priority would be to come to the Premier League.
EX-ARSENAL MIDFIELDER APPROACHED BY WOLVES
Wolves are preparing an approach for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to some transfer gossip from 90min.
Ceballos previously spent two seasons on loan in the Premier League with Arsenal. He has been back with Real Madrid since the summer of 2021. However, he will be out of contract there at the end of this season.
Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui briefly worked with Ceballos during his own short spell in Madrid, giving the midfielder 11 appearances. Now, they could reunite at Molineux.
Real are willing to give Ceballos a contract extension, but the 26-year-old will have to consider his playing time. If he decides to leave on a free transfer, Wolves are ready to compete for his signature.
90min suggests he could help fill any void left by Ruben Neves or Matheus Nunes if the pair of existing Wolves midfielders are prised out of Lopetegui’s squad.
However, Wolves will have to compete with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis – plus a host of clubs in France, Germany and Italy – in order to win the race for the Spaniard.