Manchester United could face a City problem in their hopes of a Donny van de Beek sale with the Premier League misfit a target for La Liga outfit Real Sociedad.
The £35 million signing from Ajax could bring an end to three very underwhelming years at Manchester United. It is sad that Donny Van de Beek‘ spell at Old Trafford has simply not worked out.
Real Sociedad, following David Silva’s sad and injury-forced retirement, are in the market for a potential successor.
And while talks with Van de Beek are ongoing, as reported by the BBC, he is not the only Manchester-based midfielder in La Real sights.
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Manchester United still hoping for Donny Van de Beek sale
Manchester City’s own ‘Salford Silva’ is under consideration too, per the Daily Mail. Sociedad are considering James McAtee as an alternative to Donny van de Beek.
And – after Pep Guardiola’s side brought in double figure sums for the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Carlos Borges and Shea Charles – would you really bet against them selling 20-year-old James McAtee for a similar fee to the one United would want for an established international in Donny van de Beek?
At the rate the two clubs have sold at, City would probably fetch more for McAtee, such is United’s recent weakness at cashing in for the right price.
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While Van de Beek spent last season bouncing from the bench to the treatment table, McAtee was shining on loan at Sheffield United, his nine goals in 42 appearances helping Paul Heckingbottom’s side secure their return to the big time.
According to the Mail, there are also admiring glances from Wolves, Celtic, Brighton and, of course, the Blades themselves.
Sociedad need a new David Silva
Man United, meanwhile, could only dream of such interest in Van de Beek; their hopes of driving up the Dutchman’s price-tag via a bidding war have been going up in smoke with Real Sociedad seemingly the only party willing to take discussions to the next level.
United are also hoping to find a buyer for Fred this month. West Ham remain around £10 million short of meeting their asking price for Scott McTominay (The Athletic).
Only after a high-profile sale will United have the funds to step up their pursuit of Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.