Manchester United began their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia in the best possible way on Tuesday with a 4-0 defeat of Liverpool in Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge, which involved an impressive performance from a side that looked a shadow of its former self.
And now United are working hard to add to their squad, with a deal for Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez set to be reached. It has also been revealed that Declan Rice will be allowed to leave West Ham United next summer, while the Hammers have handed the Red Devils a boost in their pursuit of a Bundesliga striker.
Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest transfer stories coming out of Old Trafford…
Declan Rice allowed to leave next summer
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Declan Rice since last summer and the links emerged again this year following the end of the campaign, following another impressive season for the England international.
As a result, West Ham smacked a huge price tag on his head and ultimately ended any chance of him leaving east London this summer, although it has since been revealed that a gentleman’s agreement is in place between the player and his club that he will be allowed to leave next summer.
That’s according to talkSPORT, who say that the Englishman has an agreement in place with the Hammers that will mean he is free to leave the club for the right price next summer, which has given United, as well as others, a big boost in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.
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Napoli make contact over Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly remains a part of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad this summer after travelling with the team on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, and even made an appearance in the 4-0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday, of which he received praise for his part in the build up to the fourth goal.
But typically, just as Bailly does something good, news spreads of Serie A side Napoli approaching the Red Devils for the Ivorian’s services, as they go in search of potential replacements for the outgoing Kalidou Koulidbaly, who is expected to join Chelsea.
Alfredo Pedulla has reported that the Italian giants have made enquiries into the possibility of signing the 28-year-old defender this summer, with United said to be open to selling the centre back as it would allow them to generate extra funds to spend on new players.