Manchester United transfer news: Noussair Mazraoui, Martin Zubimendi and more

Sign up for Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter delivered straight to your inbox for free

Sign up for Miguel Delaney’s free weekly newsletter

Manchester United look to bolster defense and midfield with potential signings of Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

United’s summer dealings have been ignited by the signings of the Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and the French central defender Lenny Yoro from Lille earlier this window.

However, having bolstered his options with the addition of two young talents, Erik ten Hag is now keen to improve the balance of his squad by bringing in two proven and more experienced operators.

Moroccan defender Mazraoui has been targeted as a possible replacement for right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.

According to talkSPORT, United and Bayern have agreed a fee of between £15m and £20m for the 26-year-old to join the Reds.

A move to Old Trafford would also mark the former Ajax defender’s debut season in the Premier League, having made 38 appearances in Germany since joining the Bundesliga outfit in 2022.

Elsewhere, United have partially turned their attention away from the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and are instead looking to sign Zubimendi for a fee of around £50m, according to Spanish newspaper El Nacional.

While Ugarte remains a target, United are yet to make a bid to match the Society’s £60m valuation for the Uruguay international.

In a deal worth up to £59m, Ten Hag have already splashed out on Yoro but still want to spend a similar amount on Zubimendi.

The 25-year-old made 144 appearances for Sociedad as a defensive midfielder and came on for Spain captain Rodri in the Euro 2024 final against England.

João Neves, a highly rated Portuguese midfielder, is another name that has been linked with United.

However, the 19-year-old, who currently plays for Benfica, is highly sought after by European heavyweights as PSG and Arsenal have also expressed an interest in signing the youngster.

But with a release clause in excess of £100m, one has to wonder if a move to the Premier League is realistic.

Youssouf Fofanaa seemingly more affordable option, could be the ideal replacement for Casemirowho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

However, there is no shortage of interest in the Frenchman, with both AC Milan and West Ham having submitted bids to sign the midfielder from AS Monaco.