Manchester United could drop their £45 million Scott McTominay asking price as the Premier League giants look to raise further funds before the transfer window closes this week.
It’s fair to say few at Old Trafford expected Eric Bailly, Donny van de Beek, Dean Henderson, Anthony Martial and co to still be Manchester United players heading into the final few days of the summer. But that is the reality facing Erik ten Hag, even if Henderson’s £15 million move to Crystal Palace is finally edging towards a conclusion.
Scott McTominay is another United were open to offers for. West Ham made a £30 million bid around three weeks ago. And, ironically enough, while United turned their nose up at the time, they may be tempted to cash in if they were to receive a similar bid these days, The Telegraph reporting that the Scotland international’s initial £45 million asking price could be dropped as the Red Devils look to free up funds for a Sofyan Amrabat, a Ryan Gravenberch or a Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The Telegraph adds that Amrabat is Ten Hag’s ‘favoured’ option. Like Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana and co, the Morocco midfielder worked with the Dutchman before, spending a brief time together at FC Utrecht back in 2017.
Scott McTominay could leave Manchester United
Bayern Munich have emerged as a surprise destination for McTominay. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel wants a deep-lying midfielder, even if McTominay is more comfortable as a box-to-box runner.
Like with Maguire, a move to West Ham, meanwhile, appears off the cards at this stage. The Hammers turned to Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse after Man United rejected their McTominay bid, and landed both for a combined fee of around £65 million.
Big week ahead for Erik ten Hag
“I am surprised ten Hag would be willing (to let McTominay go),” former England ace Danny Murphy told talkSPORT when reports of West Ham’s interest emerged (9 August, 10am). “He can play the defensive role, he can play the more pressing and high-up athletic role. He has got goals in him.
“Talk about his discipline with his defending. His work ethic is unbelievable. I’m a big fan of him. I think he is a really good player, and if West Ham get him, then the fans should be really happy.
“I think he would be a terrific addition for them.”