Confirmed target labeled ‘total package’ with Ten Hag’s own signing at risk if £40m deal goes through

Manchester United WILL make a new left-back signing this summer and a Premier League star they are chasing has been encouragingly labeled “the total package”.

Man Utd’s dual pursuit of centre-half and striker has dominated the early transfer headlines at Old Trafford this window. The Red Devils have made an unsuccessful £43m bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, while United fully intend to activate the release clause in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee’s contract. Zirkzee’s clause becomes active on July 1st.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has repeatedly stated Man Utd will also make a left-back addition this summer. This comes on the backs of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, both of whom have struggled mightily with injuries over the past year.

Speaking in March, Romano said: “Manchester United already planned months ago to bring in a new left-back in the summer; expected to be a young, important player.

“The shortlist will be decided once the board structure is finalised, but Man Utd will opt for a new left-back, regardless of what happens with Malacia.”

Romano backed up these claims in a subsequent interview with The United Stand.

“Man Utd will sign a left back as they know Tyrell Malacia is also battling Luke Shaw’s injuries this season. (They) will pick a young, talented and good, important left-back.

“This is the idea of ​​the club and it has also been agreed with the manager.”

As suggested, Ten Hag’s own signing Malacia could be the man of the fall if and when the new left-back arrives.

As for the identity of said player, reporter Ben Jacobs is one of many to confirm Man Utd are tracking Bournemouth and Hungary star Milos Kerkez.

“I think as far as left-backs, or more versatile full-backs or reverse full-backs are concerned, Milos Kerkez will be one to watch,” Jacobs said.

“Chelsea scouted him, and Manchester United really like the player.”

READ MORE: How Ten Hag compares to Klopp, Arteta after two seasons after avoiding the sack

Milos Kerkez the total package; Best feature and price tag revealed

Kerkez, 20, has excelled in his first season in the Premier League following his £15.5m arrival from AZ Alkmaar.

More recent reports have stated that Arsenal and Chelsea will provide competition for Man Utd in the race to sign Kerkez.

That will be music to your ears Bournemouth who slapped the Hungarian with a £40m price tag. The more clubs bid, the more likely they are to receive the target fee.

Furthermore, comments from AZ Alkmaar director Max Huiberts will also do Kerkez’s transfer prospects a world of good.

Talking to a Dutch shop NOSHuiberts heralded Kerkez’s maturity always beyond his years and also labeled him the “total package”.

“In all these years, I have never seen a player who is so mature at such a young age,” Huiberts said. “He had the total package. If he said he was 25, you’d believe it.”

“He was impatient, in the good sense of the word. He wanted to reach the maximum very quickly and he did everything for it, on and off the field. He also spoke to the older players if things needed to be improved.

“As strange as it sounds, I knew he would be great at such a young age and make an impact in the Premier League. I would have trusted a few players with that in the whole time I’ve been doing this job.”

READ MORE: How Ten Hag compares to Klopp, Arteta after two seasons after avoiding the sack

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