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Man United defender 'verbally agrees' transfer as £20m talks advance

It's a yes: Man United 26-year-old 'verbally agrees' Old Trafford exit
© Reuters
Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka agrees a move to West Ham United as talks over a fee continue, according to a report.

Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has reportedly given the green light to a switch to West Ham United as talks over a fee continue.

The former Crystal Palace man was hailed as one of the most promising full-backs in the land while at Selhurst Park, earning himself a £50m transfer to Old Trafford in 2019.

Wan-Bissaka has continued to go from strength to strength defensively while donning the Red Devils strip, often being labelled one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League.

However, the 26-year-old's consistency and attacking output have been called into question, and there is a consensus that he has not quite lived up to expectations at the Theatre of Dreams.

Back in January, the Red Devils took up their option to trigger Wan-Bissaka's 12-month contract extension, although the right-back is still due to become a free agent in under a year's time.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka in action for Manchester United in August 2023© Reuters

Wan-Bissaka 'approves' West Ham move

With a long-term renewal unlikely, Man United are expected to sanction Wan-Bissaka's exit for a cut-price fee this summer in order to avoid losing their £50m signing for nothing at the end of next term.

A move to West Ham United is thought to be the most likely outcome, and according to Football Insider, Wan-Bissaka has now 'said yes' to a summer switch to the London Stadium.

The two clubs are also thought to be on the brink of reaching an agreement over a fee, which could see Man United pocket at least £15m and potentially up to £20m for the ex-Palace defender.

Wan-Bissaka will arrive in the English capital as a successor to Ben Johnson, and his exit from Old Trafford will free up a space for Noussair Mazraoui to reunite with Erik ten Hag in Manchester.

The Bayern Munich man was originally thought to have been close to joining West Ham, only for negotiations to break down and Man United to swoop in instead, and an agreement is now only thought to be a matter of time.

How has Wan-Bissaka performed at Man United?

Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire on April 21, 2024© Imago

Immediately after penning his long-term Man United contract, Wan-Bissaka earned the trust of then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and became a first-team regular, but the Norwegian's departure preceded a tough time for the defender.

Wan-Bissaka has been plagued by a few injuries and illnesses over the past few years, missing a total of 37 matches for Man United, but he has featured in another 190 when fully fit.

The 26-year-old's numbers are not particularly eye-catching, two goals and 13 assists in the Red Devils strip, setting up three goals in 30 matches in all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.

The emergence of Diogo Dalot has sometimes forced Wan-Bissaka to play a bit-part role if Luke Shaw is fit and raring to go, but the Englishman's frequent absences and Tyrell Malacia's lengthy hiatus have meant that Wan-Bissaka's services have normally been required.

The defender will leave with an FA Cup and EFL Cup winners' medal, but his performances overall have been solid without ever entering the spectacular bracket.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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