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Manchester United 'holding meetings with European giants ahead of summer window'

Man United 'holding meetings with European giants ahead of summer window'
© Reuters
Manchester United's recruitment team met with Barcelona sporting director Deco on Monday and are also preparing to hold talks with Real Madrid chiefs, according to a report.

Manchester United's recruitment team reportedly met with Barcelona sporting director Deco earlier this week and are also preparing to hold talks with Real Madrid chiefs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The club's football director John Murtough and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves were pictured in Barcelona on Monday.

According to ESPN, the pair met with Deco, with plans for the summer market being discussed, while there were also meetings with Atletico Madrid directors on Tuesday.

The report claims that Murtough and Hargreaves are also planning to meet with senior figures at Real Madrid as part of their European tour, which will also include discussions with clubs in Portugal and Italy.

Man United are expected to be active during this summer's transfer window under the guidance of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team.

Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe is seen in the stands before the match on January 14, 2024© Reuters

A centre-back and a centre-forward are thought to be seen as priority positions for the summer, while a new central midfielder is also expected to arrive.

Man United are working to strict rules surrounding Financial Fair Play, though, and their budget will also be harmed if Champions League football for next season cannot be secured.

The 20-time English champions are currently sixth in the Premier League table, six points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand, and eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Erik ten Hag's position as head coach is also far from secure, with Ratcliffe said to be considering making a change in the dug-out at the end of the campaign.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023© Reuters

There is also uncertainty surrounding Murtough's future as football director, with Dan Ashworth set to arrive at the club's new sporting director.

Meanwhile, a head of recruitment could also be appointed, meaning that Murtough may depart this summer or have his role changed to fit into the new structure at Old Trafford.

Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial, Antony and Amad Diallo have all been linked with moves away from Man United of late.

Varane, Evans and Martial only have deals with the club until the end of the campaign, while decisions will need to be made of a number of players who have struggled for form this season.

Man United are currently preparing for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at home to Liverpool.

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