Manchester United have impressed fans with an improved negotiation strategy for new signings this summer after a decade of mismanaged finances under the Ed Woodward regime. And the club could break new ground with outgoings if West Ham United meet their asking price for Scott McTominay.
According to The Telegraph, West Ham are weighing up a move for McTominay after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in a British record £105million transfer.
Erik ten Hag is said to be happy to retain the 26-year-old midfielder’s services next season and would only consider sanctioning an exit if a sizeable offer arrived.
The report claims United have therefore slapped a £45million price tag on his head and are more interested in offloading other midfielders to boost Ten Hag’s transfer kitty.
United are allegedly holding out for £20m for Fred amid interest from Fulham and Saudi Arabia after he entered the final 12 months of his contract this month.
After a troubled three years in England, Donny van de Beek has also been deemed surplus to requirements and could leave on a season-long loan or permanently.
McTominay is undoubtedly the most valuable asset of the trio, given his sale would represent pure profit amid fresh FFP limitations due to UEFA and the Premier League’s rules.
And West Ham manager David Moyes is said to be a huge admirer of the Scotland international, believing he would be a worthy successor to Rice in his engine room.
If United recoup £45m for his signature, McTominay would become the third biggest sale in the club’s history.
The academy graduate’s fee would eclipse the £44m received from PSG for Angel di Maria in 2015 and the £25m pocketed from Daniel James’ switch to Leeds United in 2021 and David Beckham’s Real Madrid move in 2003.
McTominay, Fred or Van de Beek’s exit could trigger a pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
Ten Hag is keen on adding another midfielder to his ranks this summer after Mason Mount, and a major departure in the department would create space in his squad and wage bill.
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