Manchester United and Bayern Munich discuss potential swap deal for Scott McTominay and Ryan Gravenberch

Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich are looking to strengthen their midfields before the transfer window closes on Thursday, with Thomas Tuchel and Erik ten Hag both looking for a number six and number eight respectively. It appears the two clubs may be able to solve each other’s problems, with German newspaper BILD reporting that Bayern have proposed a swap deal between Scott McTominay and Ryan Gravenberch.

McTominay Falls Down Pecking Order

McTominay has fallen significantly down the pecking order recently and even the injury to Mason Mount appears to have done little to improve his situation, with Christian Eriksen preferred to the Scotland international against Nottingham Forest. It looked as though the Scot would end up staying at Old Trafford purely to provide cover, but now Bayern are making a late push to land him.

Bayern Looking for Defensive Midfielder

Tuchel has been looking for a new defensive midfielder since the end of last season when he tried to convince Declan Rice to move to Bavaria, though the England international ultimately decided to move to Arsenal in a £105m deal. Bayern broke their transfer record to sign Harry Kane instead, leaving little money left in the kitty to land a defensive midfielder, and – much to Tuchel’s annoyance – it appeared as though he would have to make do without a new midfield addition.

Swap Deal Proposed

But now Bayern are trying to secure McTominay on loan, who has similar characteristics to Rice and is rated by Tuchel – but they are conscious that United will only sanction a deal if they can land a replacement. As such, they have proposed a swap of sorts, with Gravenberch – who is highly rated by Ten Hag having played under the Dutchman at Ajax – going the other way on loan.

Gravenberch Wanted by Liverpool

Although the 21-year-old has barely played under Tuchel, making just three Bundesliga starts since moving to the Allianz Arena last summer, Bayern still believe he will come good and are reluctant to sell, so will therefore only sanction a loan. Gravenberch, who is also wanted by Liverpool, was asked about his future on Sunday after coming off the bench against Augsburg and replied: ‘I don’t know what will happen in the next few days.’

United and Bayern Have Good Relationship

The two clubs have a good relationship from last January’s window, when Marcel Sabitzer moved to Old Trafford on deadline day. It remains to be seen whether they can agree on a deal before Thursday’s deadline, but it appears as though both teams are willing to do business.

Conclusion

Manchester United and Bayern Munich are both looking to strengthen their midfields before the transfer window closes on Thursday. It appears the two clubs may be able to solve each other’s problems, with Bayern proposing a swap deal between Scott McTominay and Ryan Gravenberch. The two clubs have a good relationship from last January’s window, when Marcel Sabitzer moved to Old Trafford on deadline day. It remains to be seen whether they can agree on a deal before Thursday’s deadline, but it appears as though both teams are willing to do business.