After reaching an agreement with the Bayern Munich defender over a transfer to Old Trafford, Manchester United is getting close to signing Noussair Mazraoui.
Erik ten Hag is eager to improve his team even more before the new season begins. This summer, he has recruited Dutch attacker Joshua Zirkzee and French center-back Leny Yoro.
With 28 caps for Morocco and 55 games for Bayern, Mazraoui has become a target for the Red Devils as they try to cash in on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka cost Manchester United £50 million five years ago, but the club is prepared to let rid of the defender this summer for just £15 million.
The 26-year-old former Crystal Palace player has been linked with a return to London, as West Ham look to bolster new boss Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
Wan-Bissaka’s departure to east London will open the way for Mazraoui to join Manchester United, and the 26-year-old defender has already accepted terms with the Premier League giants, according to Foot Mercato.
United are anticipated to pay approximately £15 million for the Moroccan, with a further £5 million going to Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich as add-ons.
Ten Hag has often targeted his former players since becoming Manchester United manager and Mazraoui featured heavily under the Dutchman at Ajax.
Mazraoui joined Bayern Munich in 2022 and has played 38 league games for the German club across his two seasons at the Allianz Arena.
He appeared to be closing in on a move to West Ham earlier in the summer but the deal collapsed, allowing Manchester United to enter the race and make swift progress over a summer switch.
Manchester United beaten by Arsenal in pre-season
Manchester United’s pre-season schedule began with a 1-0 defeat to Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.
Ten Hag’s side then beat Scottish giants Rangers 2-0 before losing 2-1 to Premier League rivals Arsenal in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils an early lead at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles but Arsenal came from behind courtesy of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
‘I think [the game] was a very good level for the third week of pre-season, from both sides, but in the first half I thought we were the better team,’ Ten Hag said.
“I was very pleased with the goal we scored. Marcus Rashford put a great ball in behind, and Rasmus Hojlund finished it off with a very good move.”
We also had a few more excellent opportunities before giving up the offside goal.
Against Thursday, Manchester United takes against Real Betis of Spain as part of their preseason training.
On August 10, United, who placed seventh in the Premier League the previous year, will play City, a rival team from Manchester.