Manchester United send Marcus Rashford transfer message as Erik ten Hag calls £85m replacement

Erik ten Hag has been given a clear message regarding two Manchester United transfer targets. Following an internal review which ruled he will stay on as manager, United have begun to formalize their summer plans with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite a priority target.

An opening bid for the defender has already been rejected, with the Toffees valuing him at a minimum of £70m, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears to have no intention of paying that. While strengthening at the back will be crucial, Ten Hag are also hoping to add much-needed firepower in attack with several names linked.

Dutch duo Xavi Simons and Joshua Zirkzee are both reported targets, with the latter having a £34million release clause which United are trying to activate. As for Simons, with the plan clear to leave Paris Saint-Germain again on loan, United and Arsenal are said to have made contact over the possibility of a summer move.

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And now former United defender Mikael Silvestre has given his verdict on the ability of both Simons and Zirkzee – while explaining where they could fit in at Old Trafford.

“Joshua, I know well. He would be a good addition,” he told bettingexpert.com. “He’s ready to step up. Young player, for the future. He won’t score 25 goals this season, but he’s made a lot of progress, especially last season with Bologna. Yes, I’d say, he’s a natural target. goalscorer.

“And for Simons you’ve got Diallo who you have to make room for. So I’m not sure about Simons. It’s the right course for United because if you have, if you think you’ve got Antony and Diallo on the right side already.”

“Simons prefers to play on the left, to be honest. On the left, yes, you have Rashford. Martial is leaving. So it depends if Marcus goes or not. If he stays, that’s his position. So Simons could come in. and to compete there, or maybe play in the middle. So, yeah, it could be good.”

PSG are unlikely to sanction a permanent exit for Simons, although their asking price is £85m, however a temporary arrival is certainly possible and that could affect Rashford’s long-term future . The 21-year-old has impressed at the European Championships and could be a potential replacement for Rashford, with United open to selling for the right price.