Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has “approved” the signing of Monaco defender Axel Disasi, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have already held “talks” with the France international’s agent but Romano warns that Newcastle could yet beat the Manchester club to the centre-back’s signature:
Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet 🇫🇷
Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco.
Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco.
More to follow. pic.twitter.com/rEJcduUaS0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2023
If the Magpies do step up their interest by making a formal bid for Disasi, it would leave United with an important decision to make.
The club’s current focus is on recruiting Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, while they also have plans to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. Would they allow Newcastle to press ahead with their move for Disasi as they try to get other deals over the line or would they intervene?
Monaco are not going to sell Disasi on the cheap
It has been reported that the centre-half’s asking price could be as high as €50m (£43m). Monaco rate Disasi very highly, after the player made his international debut at the World Cup last year.
Due to United’s restricted transfer budget, it remains to be seen whether they would have the funds to buy Disasi, considering how much Onana (€55m/£47m) and Hojlund (€60m/£51.3m) could cost.
United are not short of options in defence
While ten Hag is clearly a fan of Disasi, you have to say that reinforcing the backline isn’t really a priority for the Red Devils. The Frenchman is a centre-back and right-back by trade and the club are well covered in both positions.
Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are options in the centre of defence, while Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both play off the right flank.
It is likely that ten Hag’s side were hoping to make a move for Disasi later in the transfer window when they had raised some money through sales, but it appears Newcastle may force their hand.
