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Manchester United 'intensify' talks for Erik ten Hag's fifth summer signing
Manchester United won't be letting up in the transfer market.
Manchester United close in on a striker
Manchester United are reportedly 'intensifying talks' with Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka. The 28-year-old is understood to want to stay at the Allianz Arena but is facing an uncertain future.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has shown during pre-season that he is intent on playing Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer over Goretzka and is currently looking for a new holding midfielder on top of that. "We don't have a proper holding No 6 who's more about providing defensive protection," he said during a recent press conference.
"It's my observation that we don't have that type of player. All our midfielders are quite mobile. But you can still win games without such a player. We have to find solutions."
As a result, Goretzka maybe pushed out to help fund a move for such a player and long-time admirers, Man Utd, are keen on snapping him up. The Red Devils' interest in Goretzka stretches back to 2017 when he was playing for Schalke.
Goretzka would go on to sign for Bayern in 2018 but according to Sky Sports, Man Utd 'never lost their focus' on bringing the player to Old Trafford. The Bavarian giants are said to want between £34m and £42m for the player if they are let him go this summer.
United's stance on the price tag has not been made clear but Ten Hag will find it difficult to bring in the German if he doesn't recoup some funds through player sales first. The Dutchman was set a £170m budget this summer and has already spent the majority of it on two players - Andre Onana (£47.2m) and Mason Mount (£55m).
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A further £72m is expected to be spent on Rasmus Hojlund after completing his medical with the Red Devils. United are also reportedly close to signing Johnny Evans on a one-year deal after impressing during pre-season.
Goretzka could then come in as United's fifth transfer of the summer but only once United have raised the required funds. Club representatives recently opened talks with Real Sociedad over the possible sale of Donny Van de Beek while Galatasaray are expected to submit an improved offer for Fred.
Leeds are also weighing up whether to make a move for Brandon Williams and West Ham remain interested in signing Harry Maguire. Multiple reports suggest Man Utd will make a move for Sofyan Amrabat next after wrapping up the Hojlund deal but this is not expected to affect their stance on Goretzka.