West Ham United have reportedly handed Manchester United a double blow in their efforts to cash in on Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Noussair Mazraoui nears a move to the London Stadium. And United are said to have explored alternative options by hosting talks between intermediaries over a potential swap deal involving Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.
There was previously a prospect of West Ham signing Wan-Bissaka this summer, preventing him from departing Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the season.
United were reportedly eyeing Mazraoui as his replacement, given his uncertain future at Bayern Munich and experience working with Erik ten Hag.
However, according to The Athletic, West Ham are edging closer to signing the 26-year-old right-back themselves after Wan-Bissaka rejected a switch.
The Hammers are said to have reached agreements with Bayern and Mazraoui, and the transfer is now at an advanced stage.
While United retain an interest in the Morocco international, he appears destined to become Julen Lopetegui’s fourth summer recruit after Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham.
The report adds that Wan-Bissaka prefers a move to Inter – either in the coming weeks or on a free transfer next year.
It’s claimed that his stance has opened the realm of possibility for a swap deal involving Wan-Bissaka and Dumfries, with discussions between intermediaries not advanced but ongoing.
A new right-back won’t be among United’s transfer priorities if their No. 29 stays put after Diogo Dalot established himself as Erik ten Hag‘s first-choice option last season.
Wan-Bissaka represents a strong back-up option, and it may make more sense to utilise him for another year and accept a £50million loss on the fee paid to Crystal Palace in 2019 rather than downgrading this summer.
More pressingly, United are eyeing a new left-back, with Tyrell Malacia absent from the club’s pre-season tour of the United States as he continues his injury rehabilitation at Carrington.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined for 14 months since suffering a knee injury during pre-season last year, undergoing two surgeries to, so far, no avail.
Luke Shaw suffered injury woes of his own last term, making just 15 appearances to leave Ten Hag with no natural senior left-backs for a significant chunk.
Feyenoord’s David Hancko, Tyrick Mitchell of Palace, and former Chelsea star Marcos Alonso – a free agent after his Barcelona release – are all reportedly on the shortlist.
United are also expected to strengthen in midfield, but any new arrivals will likely depend on whether Casemiro or Scott McTominay leave the club.
The Red Devils have spent £88.5m so far this summer, welcoming Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk