Erik ten Hag has been sent a clear message regarding two Manchester United transfer targets. Following an internal review that decided he would remain as manager, United have started to formalise their summer plans with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite one priority target.
An opening offer for the defender has already been rejected with the Toffees valuing him at a minimum of £70million, though Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears to have no intention of paying that. While strengthening at the back will be crucial, Ten Hag is also hoping to add some needed firepower in attack with several names linked.
Dutch duo Xavi Simons and Joshua Zirkzee are both reported targets with the latter having a £34million release clause that United are exploring to activate. As for Simons, with the plan clear he will leave Paris Saint-Germain on loan again, United and Arsenal are said to have made contact over the possibility of a summer move.
READ MORE: Man United double Jarrad Branthwaite swap truth explained as Everton stance emerges
And now former United defender Mikael Silvestre has offered his verdict on the ability of both Simons and Zirkzee – while also explaining where they would fit in at Old Trafford.
“Joshua, I know well. He would be a very good addition,” he told bettingexpert.com. “He’s ready to make the step. Young player, for the future. He’s not going to score 25 goals this season, but he’s made a lot of progress, especially last season with Bologna. Yeah he, I would say, is a natural goal scorer.
“And for Simons you have Diallo that you have to make space for. So I’m not sure about Simons. It’s the right course for United because if you have, if you consider that you already have Antony and Diallo on the right side.”
“Simons prefers to play on the left side, to be honest. On the left, yeah you have Rashford. Martial is going. So It depends if Marcus goes or not. If he stays, that’s his position. So Simons could be coming in and competing there, or he can also play in the middle. So yeah, it could be good.”
PSG are unlikely to sanction a permanent exit of Simons, though their asking price is said to be £85million, however, a temporary arrival is certainly possible and that could impact Rashford’s long-term future. The 21-year-old has been impressing at the European championships and may be a potential replacement for Rashford with United open to selling at the right price.
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