Genoa have shown an interest in Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek after hitting a brick wall in their pursuit of fellow Premier League misfit Tanguy Ndombele.
As Manchester United have found out themselves this summer, shipping out a big-name, high-earning player can be easier said than done. United accepted a £30 million bid from West Ham for Harry Maguire before negotiations ran aground.
Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, appear to be hitting similar issues in their attempts to get Tanguy Ndombele out the door before this week’s deadline. Spurs agreed to send their £63 million forgotten man to Genoa on loan for the 2023/24 season.
But with Ndombele holding out for a club capable of offering Champions League football – he enjoyed a seat at Europe’s top table during a spell at Scudetto winners Napoli last term – Genoa are shifting their focus to alternative targets. And that is where Donny van de Beek comes in.
Two clubs now want Manchester United’s Van de Beek
When a potential move to Real Sociedad collapsed earlier this month, it seemed that United would be stuck with the seldom-seen Dutchman until January. And, with funds tight due to the club’s Financial Fair Play concerns, there was a very real concern that their failure to ship out Van de Beek would ki-bosh any potential move for Sofyan Amrabat, reportedly Ten Hag’s number one central midfield target.
But to United’s presumed delight, however, a bidding war could be about to break out for Van de Beek, even if both of his suitors are targeting short-term loans rather than permanent deals. Lorient have reportedly agreed terms with Manchester United (FootMercato). Genoa, meanwhile, have identified the £35 million signing from Ajax as an Ndombele alternative.
“The doubts of Ndombele continue,” the always-reliable Gianluca di Marzio writes on Twitter. “(Ndombele) would like a team that plays in the Champions League.
“(Genoa have now made an) attempt with Manchester United to borrow Van de Beek.”
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Van de Beek out and Sofyan Amrabat in
Di Marzio, however, believes that the ‘most feasible’ option for Genoa at this moment remains Berkan Kutlu of Galatasaray.
Either way, it is surely no coincidence that The Athletic’s David Ornstein is reporting that Manchester United are putting their foot on the accelerator for Amrabat at the same time as interest in Van de Beek’s signature is on the rise again.