Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Noussair Mazraoui, with the player’s medical in England now booked.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has orchestrated a major rebuild of his squad this summer, with Leny Yoro arriving to add young quality in defence and Joshua Zirkzee signing from Bologna to provide an alternative option in the final third.
The shake-up is far from complete though, with a handful of further additions expected to arrive at Old Trafford soon. Bayern Munich defender Mazraoui is among those being eyed, with the right-back viewed as the ideal replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
United have been locked in negotiations with Bayern for over a week, and they now appear to be closing in on the Morocco international.
According to Foot Mercato, the Bundesliga outfit have now ‘authorised’ that Mazraoui can join Erik ten Hag’s side soon.
A deal is described as ‘almost done’ and Mazraoui will now fly to England in the next few days to put pen to paper at the Theatre of Dreams. United have booked the ex-Ajax star’s medical for Tuesday, with personal terms already agreed.
The versatile fullback, who is also capable of playing in left-back, has agreed to join a five-year contract with United, with the option of a further 12 months as well.
The news that Mazraoui’s move is imminent will be music to the ears of Ten Hag as the Dutchman is said to have made it clear that he wants the player to be a part of his squad for the Community Shield final against Manchester City on August 10.
The arrival of the 26-year-old is likely to accelerate talks between Wan-Bissaka and West Ham, and it could provide United with a major boost in their negotiations with Bayern for Matthijs De Ligt, who is also a target at Old Trafford.
The Dutch international does not feature in Vincent Kompany’s plans at the Allianz Arena next season, though an agreement for United to acquire his services has not been reached yet. Ten Hag shortlisted De Ligt as a target upon his arrival at United previously and Ratcliffe is in agreement that the former Juventus star could add quality and experience to the squad, with a five-year deal also already agreed with the 24-year-old.