Manchester United are currently exploring their options for potential strikers to sign this summer, with both Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on their radar. According to a report from The Athletic, Brentford’s Toney could command a fee of around £60 million, but it is believed that a bid of £40 million could potentially seal the deal. On the other hand, Everton may be willing to part ways with Calvert-Lewin for a lower fee, with £30 million being a possible asking price. Both players have just one year remaining on their current contracts.
In addition to their striker search, Manchester United are also in the market for a left-sided defender to provide cover for Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, given their injury concerns last season. Tyrell Malacia is still working his way back to full fitness, so the club is exploring other options. Feyenoord’s David Hancko, a versatile 26-year-old who can play at centre-back or full-back, has been considered as a potential target. However, there are concerns that he may be too expensive for a player who is likely to be a squad rotation option. The club is also looking to bolster their midfield, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte being considered as a potential target, alongside the possibility of loan signings.
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood could be on the verge of departing Manchester United after the club agreed to a £26.7 million offer from Marseille for the talented forward. Negotiations are said to be in the final stages, with United reportedly keen on securing a sizable sell-on clause in any deal. Greenwood last featured for the club in January 2022 and still has a contract that runs until 2025, with the option of an additional year. After a successful loan spell at Getafe last season, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists, Greenwood has returned to England and is currently training away from the club.
In another transfer development, Aston Villa are set to trigger a buy-back clause to re-sign Jaden Philogene from Hull City after Ipswich Town made an £18 million bid for the winger. Villa had included a buy-back option when selling Philogene to Hull last summer, and they have decided to exercise that clause following Ipswich’s interest in the player. The 22-year-old had an impressive season in the Championship, scoring 12 goals in 32 appearances for Hull. Ipswich, Everton, and Crystal Palace have all shown interest in the former Villa academy player, but it appears that he is destined to return to Villa Park under Unai Emery’s management.
Overall, Manchester United and Aston Villa are actively pursuing transfer targets as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season. Both clubs are weighing up their options and making strategic moves in the transfer market to address key areas of need and bolster their respective squads for the challenges that lie ahead.
