Manchester United look set to make Monaco star Axel Disasi their first signing of the summer transfer window with a deal close.
The Red Devils expect to have a busy window despite the ownership situation still being up in the air. The Glazers announced their intentions to sell last November but as of yet a preferred bidder has not been confirmed.
Qatari billionaire threw the process into fresh turmoil on Wednesday as he lodged a fifth and final offer for the Old Trafford club. The ball is now in the Glazers’ court whether they accept, and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe over whether he attempts another offer.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, United continue to push on with their summer transfer plans and Disasi looks set to become their first acquisition. According to French outlet L’Equipe, the central defender is ‘close’ to a move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils reportedly have no issue in paying Monaco’s €40m (£34.5m) asking price, although negotiations between the two clubs have yet to get underway. Disasi, 25, has enjoyed a number of standout seasons with the Ligue 1 outfit.
After catching the eye with Reims, he made the move to the Stade Louis II in the summer of 2020. He has gone on to make 129 appearances for his current employers, 49 of which came this season.
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The central defender was also regularly on the scoresheet with six goals to his name this term, whilst he also provided four assists. His form for Monaco has also been good enough to see him accumulate three caps for the French national team.
Disasi has two years left to run on his contract with the club and should he move to Old Trafford, would become the second big-money defensive sale this year following Benoit Badiashile’s move to Chelsea in January. Meanwhile, he could become the second defender to sign for Man United this summer.
The Red Devils also hold an interest in Napoli star Kim Min-Jae, and all signs point to the South Korean becoming a United player. Officials at the Italian club are reportedly anticipating his exit and have already identified Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini as a potential replacement.
The news surrounding Disasi comes just days after United boss Erik ten Hag held showdown talks with the club’s recruitment department. The Dutchman laid out his summer demands that included a new defender, number eight midfielder and an established striker.
He also requested a goalkeeper, a right-back, as well as a further midfielder and forward. Should United seal deals for both Disasi and Kim, then that could see Harry Maguire ’s future grow even more uncertain.
The Red Devils’ captain is already expected to leave this summer, with Premier League rivals Tottenham recently emerging as potential suitors for his services.
