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Man Utd determined to push through transfer deal despite Ed Woodward being left stunned
MANCHESTER UNTIED executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been left gobsmacked on a number of occasions in this transfer window.
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That’s because clubs are keen to take advantage of United in the market, by charging them premium fees for their players.
Once the Red Devils stumped up £50million for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, it gave other Premier League teams a bargaining chip in negotiations.
This has been the case in the ongoing Harry Maguire saga, in which United have shown a hesitance to reach the £90m valuation demanded by Leicester.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had identified Sean Longstaff as a top midfield target while coinciding with his new transfer policy which has an emphasis on young, British players.
However the club were pegged back by Newcastle when they made an enquiry for the 21-year-old, with the Magpies quoting £50m.
According to the Evening Standard, United have not been frightened off and remain determined to push through the deal below £30m.
Whether that will happen is a different question, but United are set to step up their pursuit of the young Englishman.
Solskjaer has made it clear that he wants to bring in at least two midfielders before the August 8 deadline.
Longstaff has been identified as a priority after Maguire, who remains Woodward’s number one target.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford but the deal is set to rumble on in for the next few weeks.
Manchester United feel confident that they can land Longstaff, despite Newcastle’s strong stance.
New boss Steve Bruce is expected to be given money to spend at St James’ Park.
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He’s already smashed the club’s transfer record to sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim.
That suggests Newcastle are not going to need to spell to free up funds to spend.
Woodward has stayed in the UK while United tour the Far East.
He’s hopeful of sealing up to three deals before next month’s deadline.