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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Manchester United aiming to complete five signings this month

Manchester United are aiming to complete five signings by the end of their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

United had a bid accepted for Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, agreed a fee in principle with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong and submitted a bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez last week.

New manager Erik ten Hag is also interested in Ajax forward Antony and free agent Christian Eriksen, while United are expected to sign a back-up goalkeeper to offset Dean Henderson’s departure on loan.

Also read: Tyrell Malacia arrives at Carrington for medical

United are aiming to complete some signings before they fly to Bangkok on Friday and plan to finalise other deals during their tour of Thailand and Australia.

United face Liverpool in their first friendly on July 12 and then travel to Melbourne to play Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace before ending their tour against Aston Villa in Perth on July 23.

Malacia has completed one round of medical tests at United's Carrington training complex and returned this morning ahead of signing for the club.

De Jong, 25, is Ten Hag’s principal target as he has prioritised control in midfield despite the absence of a defensive midfielder. Ten Hag’s preference is to sign a flexible forward to balance a lopsided attack where there are four left-sided wingers, although United's plans could change amid fresh uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo's future.

United hijacked Lyon’s move for Malacia, 22, and have moved for Martinez, 24, also wanted by Arsenal. Sources say United are open to reinforcing all areas, hence the move for Malacia despite the three left-backs already available to Ten Hag.

United are open to selling right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, left-backs Brandon Williams and Alex Telles, centre-backs Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, midfielder Andreas Pereira and forward Anthony Martial. Facundo Pellistri could embark on another loan move to secure a place in Uruguay’s World Cup squad and Amad could be loaned out again, depending on whether United reinforce up front.

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