Man Utd prepared to sign two stars for £68m ‘in the next week’, Ashworth to speed up talks – report

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign two of their main transfer targets, according to iNews.

The Red Devils are currently in negotiations with Bayern Munich over Matthijs de Ligt. The centre-back has already given the green light for the transfer due to his close relationship with manager Erik ten Hag from their time at Ajax.

United are discussing a transfer fee with the German giants and they are aiming to sign him in a cut-price deal worth £34 million. Meanwhile, the club are also making progress in the pursuit of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee for a similar fee.

The arrival of Dan Ashworth as the sporting director is expected to speed up both deals with hope that the two transfers can be completed in the next week.

Man Utd close to securing double transfer deal

De Ligt is one of the best distributors in European football. He had a passing accuracy of 93.5 per cent in the Bundesliga last term, only Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah fared better than him.

Despite this, he has looked unsettled at the Bavarian giants. He has been an unused substitute on occasions while injuries have also hampered his chances of cementing a starting berth.

As a result, the Dutchman has also fallen down the pecking order at the international level. The 24-year-old’ will want to redeem himself and United could offer him the perfect opportunity to do so.

With Raphael Varane’s exit, De Ligt has the opportunity to secure a regular starting role at right centre-back. His strong ball-playing skills and aerial presence would make him a good fit.

The centre-back has reportedly agreed a pay-cut to push through a move to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Zirkzee also appears prepared to accept a bigger challenge with the Red Devils. He was initially leaning towards AC Milan, but they have failed to agree terms with his agent.

United are ready to pay his £34m release clause and his agent commission of £13m. The 23-year-old striker will compete for a starting berth with Rasmus Hojlund in the next campaign.

If things go as planned, the club could confirm the arrivals of De Ligt and Zirkzee for a combined £68m next week.

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