If Man United wants to sign Ansu Fati or Ruben Neves this summer, they must now act quickly.
According to rumours out of Spain, Jorge Mendes is attempting to complete a swap deal in which the two players would switch clubs this summer. Both the Wolves maestro and the Barcelona winger have been repeatedly linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent years.
Although there is admiration for both, the Red Devils have never really been set on signing either for the sums that both Barcelona and Wolves have reportedly offered.
According to SPORT in Spain, Mendes is proposing the idea that Wolves are prepared to pay around £25m plus Neves to sign Fati this summer.
The young forward has found himself falling down the pecking order this season under Xavi following the revival of Ousmane Dembele and the arrival of Raphinha and now Fati could be offloaded to free up some cash.
Barcelona have long been keen on Neves but much like United, they were never prepared to pay the kind of money Wolves would require in order to reluctantly agree to a sale.
Interestingly, United are set to explore opportunities to bolster their midfield and forward options this summer which could provide an indication of how highly they actually rate Fati and Neves with both seemingly up for grabs.
Will Man United Sign Ansu Fati?
The Red Devils have failed to perform at the same level without Casemiro in the lineup, so Erik ten Hag needs to bring in some additional cover and competition.
The loan of Marcel Sabitzer may eventually become a permanent arrangement, although the Austrian’s summer transfer from Bayern to United is far from guaranteed.
Meanwhile, due to Jadon Sancho’s inconsistent play and the anticipated departure of Anthony Martial, the Red Devils need some additional depth on the flanks.
Fati fits the bill but Barcelona are expected to demand a premium fee for the 20-year-old, who is one of the best prospects in world football.
Ten Hag has already confirmed that his priority is to sign a striker this summer but he is also opening to improving elsewhere across the frontline.
“Yeah, I think everyone knows,” Ten Hag said when asked if signing a striker is top of the agenda.
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“It’s not a secret that over the whole season we had a shortage of No 9s.
“First, we had the dropout of Ronaldo, then Antony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho was often not available, then you have a shortage of frontline players.
“With less players we have to cover many games, so definitely we need in the frontline players who strengthen the squad.”
United’s budget is likely to be dependent on player sales but it could also be bolstered by new owners as the club remains in active talks over a full or partial sale.
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