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Man United transfer news: Dutchman 'identified' as Bruno Fernandes replacement

Man United 'eye' triple Dutch transfer as Fernandes replacement 'identified'
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a third Dutch signing this summer as they pursue deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a third Dutch signing this summer as they pursue deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.

There is already a strong Dutch connection at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils recently announced the return of club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as Erik ten Hag's new assistant as well as the addition of Rene Hake to the coaching setup.

Man United are yet to officially complete their first summer signing of the INEOS era, but they have allegedly reached an agreement with Bologna to sign striker Zirkzee for a fee slightly above the €40m mark, with the payment to be spread across a three-year period.

Zirkzee is set to undergo a medical and pen a five-year contract to join the Red Devils, who are also pushing to sign Bayern Munich centre-back De Ligt, with talks said to be 'proceeding well'.

De Ligt is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Man United, while Vincent Kompany's side are demanding around £42m for the Netherlands international.

Netherlands' Xavi Simons in action on June 16, 2024 [IMAGO]© Reuters

Man United interested in signing Xavi Simons

Man United's Dutch raid is seemingly not over just yet, as The Sun reports that the Red Devils are lining up a 'shock' move for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Xavi Simons.

The 21-year-old was on the scoresheet as the Netherlands suffered a 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 earlier this week.

Having now exited the tournament, Simons is said to be facing a 'big decision' over his club future, with Man United 'hot on his heels' as they, along with Bayern Munich, express a strong interest in the versatile attacker.

Simons excelled on loan at RB Leipzig last season, scoring 10 goals and registering 15 assists in 43 games across all competitions, a year after PSG triggered the £5.1m buy-back clause in his deal at PSV Eindhoven.

As things stand, Simons is set to return to PSG, but the attacker has allegedly informed the French giants of his desire to leave this summer.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates their third goal on May 15, 2024© Reuters

Simons 'identified' as Fernandes replacement

According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United's interest in Simons could see the club prepare for life after captain Bruno Fernandes departs the club.

The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the Red Devils side since joining the club in January 2020, scoring 79 goals and providing 66 assists in 233 appearances across all competitions.

However, Fernandes has allegedly informed Saudi Pro League clubs that he would be open to the possibility of making a summer switch to the Middle East.

The Portugal international has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and a recent report claimed that Man United do not view negotiating a new deal with the playmaker as an immediate priority.

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