Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'looking to complete triple signing'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 June 2022

Manchester United are focusing on signing Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, Porto's Vitinha and Derby County's Malcolm Ebiowei, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly currently focusing on signing Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, Porto's Vitinha and Derby County's Malcolm Ebiowei.

The Red Devils will be back in pre-season training later this month ahead of their return to action next month, with the club heading to Thailand and Australia as part of their preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.

A number of players continue to be linked with moves to Old Trafford, as new head coach Erik ten Hag looks to put together a squad capable of returning to the top four in the Premier League next term.

Barcelona midfielder De Jong is said to be the club's leading target this summer, and according to English journalist Jonathan Shrager, the Netherlands international is one of three players currently in discussions over a switch to Old Trafford.

Shrager claims that Porto midfielder Vitinha and Derby youngster Ebiowei are also wanted by the Red Devils in a triple signing.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong warms up in May 2022 © Reuters

Man United remain in discussions with Barcelona over De Jong, with the Catalan giants said to be open to selling the Dutchman this summer to ease their financial problems.

However, the 25-year-old will allegedly have to be convinced to make the move to the 20-time English champions, who will not play in the Champions League next season.

Vitinha, meanwhile, has also recently been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are said to lead the race for the 22-year-old.

The midfielder only has little over two years left to run on his current deal, and there is believed to be a €40m (£34.8m) release clause in his contract, which has led to a host of speculation, with the Red Devils allegedly already discussing personal terms with the proposed arrival.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Lazio are also said to be admirers of the Portugal international, who made 47 appearances in all competitions at club level last term, contributing four goals and five assists in the process.

Porto midfielder Vitinha pictured in May 2022 © Reuters

Ebiowei, meanwhile, represented Arsenal and Rangers as a youngster before making the move to Derby, and he debuted for the Rams in February of this year.

The 18-year-old ended the 2021-22 campaign with one goal and two assists in 16 Championship appearances, and he is allegedly the subject of interest from a number of Premier League sides.

The attacker's contract at Pride Park is due to expire at the end of June, and he is yet to agree a fresh deal with Wayne Rooney's side, which could lead to his exit this summer.

Derby would be entitled to a compensation fee if Ebiowei departed, although it would be significantly less than what they could potentially demand for the youngster this summer if he was a long-term deal.

Man United also continue to be linked with a number of central defenders, but talk of a switch for a centre-forward has quietened since it was confirmed that Darwin Nunez had joined Liverpool.