“Since these signings are close to completion there’s no need for us to have to deal with the flop duo in our team. It’s more economical for the club. It’s about time they left.” – Manchester United to offload ‘flop’ duo as Ashworth ‘nears completion’ of signings No. 3 and 4 amid ‘transfer hijack’ claims

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is contemplating an attempt to hijack AC Milan’s agreement to sign Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.

This comes as the Red Devils plan a sensational double raid on French talent, with two other players cleared to leave.

The summer at Manchester United is poised to be transformative as Sir Jim Ratcliffe works on realizing his vision of restoring the Red Devils to the top tier of English and European football.

With several key appointments already made behind the scenes, the focus is now on strengthening a squad that frequently underperformed last season.

Ratcliffe has shown he is decisive and unsentimental, having already parted ways with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, with more high-profile departures expected.

In pursuit of top young European talents, United’s summer transfer window has started briskly with the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.

The club has spent a combined £88.7 million on the pair and seems far from finished, as Ashworth is also eyeing a double raid on Bayern Munich after an initial bid for Matthijs de Ligt was rejected by the Bundesliga giants.

However, the Red Devils aim to bolster their midfield significantly this summer, with Ratcliffe and Ashworth prioritizing this area for a substantial upgrade.

**Man Utd Transfers: Two In, Two Out as Ashworth Targets Midfield Reinforcements**

According to TEAMtalk, only Kobbie Mainoo is guaranteed to stay at Old Trafford from last season’s midfield, as the club plans sweeping changes. United have opted not to exercise the €20m option to make Sofyan Amrabat’s loan permanent.

Additionally, they are working on selling Casemiro, who, after a stellar first season, struggled with the Premier League’s pace in a disappointing second year. The Brazilian is likely to move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

United are also open to offers for Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay. However, Erik ten Hag has expressed a desire to keep McTominay, one of the club’s more consistent performers during last season’s challenges.

With the potential exits of both Casemiro and Eriksen, United plans to bring in two top-class replacements. Manuel Ugarte has been identified as a key target, and with Paris Saint-Germain open to selling him and the player interested in moving to Old Trafford, the transfer seems a matter of when, not if.

TEAMtalk confirms that PSG is holding out for a fee similar to the €60m (£51.1m) they paid Sporting Lisbon for Manuel Ugarte last summer. However, Manchester United believes a deal can be secured for significantly less.

With PSG closing in on signing Joao Neves – a teenager long linked with United – and informing Ugarte he is free to leave, United sees a good chance of acquiring the 23-year-old for a reduced fee.

United’s initial offer of €35m (£29.5m) was rejected by PSG, but reports in France suggest an agreement is “close to being struck.” His agent, Jorge Mendes, who also represents Leny Yoro, expects to finalize the move within the next week to 10 days.

**Man Utd Tipped to Hijack AC Milan’s Agreement for Fofana**

Meanwhile, United is reportedly looking to secure a midfield double deal by hijacking AC Milan’s agreement to sign Youssouf Fofana. The French midfielder has agreed to a four-year deal with Milan to leave Monaco, where he has less than a year remaining on his contract.

With Fofana’s deal set to expire next June, Monaco wants to sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2025.

Milan has agreed on personal terms with Fofana but has yet to agree on a deal with Monaco. Milan’s opening offer is expected to be between €20m to €25m (£16.8m to £21.1m), which is well below Monaco’s €35m (£29.5m) asking price, according to RMC Sport.

Now, the same outlet reports that United chief Dan Ashworth is considering an approach for Youssouf Fofana to hijack Milan’s agreement with the player. United would likely have no trouble outbidding Milan, with Monaco clearly looking to sell to the highest bidder.

The sales of Casemiro and potentially Christian Eriksen would free up space in the squad. With Sofyan Amrabat also departing, United plans for at least one, but more likely two, midfield arrivals this summer.

If all goes to plan, Erik ten Hag could choose from Kobbie Mainoo, Fofana, and Manuel Ugarte to play in his midfield for the upcoming campaign.