Manchester United are interested in AS Monaco first team pair Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana, 90min understands.
United are in the midst of a takeover of sporting operations by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, with a deal expected to be closed in the coming weeks. It’s hoped that the foundations for a new footballing structure will be put in place to help turn around their on-pitch fortunes in the long-term, with former Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell primed to take up a similar role at Old Trafford under Ratcliffe’s leadership.
There are no suggestions that their interest in both players – Vanderson was signed by Mitchell at Monaco – is driven by the sporting director-elect, but the positions of right back and central midfield have been areas Ten Hag has been looking to strengthen for some time.
In Vanderson’s case, United have established their interest as they decide how to proceed at right back over the coming seasons. Diogo Dalot signed a new five-year contract in May but has often found himself second choice to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has arguably been in better form when given chances in the Dutchman’s team.
When Ten Hag took over last summer, Wan-Bissaka appeared out of favour and destined for the exit door, before his solid application saw a turn in fortunes and his place in the team won back. United have considered extending his contract long-term too but a recent injury has hampered the 25-year-old’s momentum.
He is out of contract at the end of the current season, though United have an option to extend by a further year. Whether he is given a new deal or that extension is triggered is under discussion at this point, with United analysing internally their decision-making process on handing out contract renewals and the pattern of problems and underperformance that have come afterwards with a number of other players.
Vanderson is seen by some within the game as being the best young right back in Europe, and the Brazilian is also liked by Real Madrid – who are themselves looking to strengthen in both their full back positions. Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich is a high-profile target for the left side.
Fofana, meanwhile, has been of interest to West Ham United in the past, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United also have him on their radar – though he has not been at the top of any club’s priority list up to this point for the position. He is also out of contract at the end of the season though Monaco have indicated they will be using up a one-year automatic extension themselves.
Arsenal are looking for a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey and Liverpool for a natural number six, though both clubs are also interested in Fluminense’s Andre. Newcastle are assessing their options following Sandro Tonali’s ban from football.
United are looking at the player as they consider a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who was signed only last summer from Real Madrid but is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League.
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