Manchester United Eyeing Monaco Defender Axel Disasi as Erik ten Hag Looks to Bolster Back-Line
Manchester United are exploring a deal for Monaco defender Axel Disasi as Erik ten Hag looks to add a new defender to his squad this summer, according to reports. The Dutch coach has already brought in midfielder Mason Mount in a £60million deal from Chelsea, while the club are locked in talks with Serie A giants Inter to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana. After securing a deal for the Cameroonian shot-stopper, United will then look to land a new number nine to provide much-needed firepower up top.
Ten Hag is also keen to bolster his back-line, and has identified Disasi as the perfect addition to his squad. The Red Devils made an early play to try and sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who has a €50million (£43m) release clause, but have been gazumped by Bayern Munich who hope to announce the South Korean’s signing in the coming days.
United are now looking at Monaco’s versatile defender Disasi, though an official approach has yet to be registered. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting that United are interested in the defender, though they are aware of rival interest from Newcastle who are ready to accelerate talks with Monaco in the coming days.
United have already held talks with Disasi and his entourage, but Newcastle have also made contact in recent days and are better positioned to ramp up talks. As things stand, the Red Devils’ full focus is on signing Onana and Hojlund – which are regarded as priority issues – while any move for a defender is likely to be dependent on the budget that is left over.
United are also expected to try and offload players in order to bolster their kitty, with Ten Hag keen to sell captain Harry Maguire. The England international is one of the club’s biggest earners – and his salary has gone up due to United’s qualification for the Champions League – but he has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ten Hag.
Disasi would likely provide further cover and competition at centre-half as well as a more defensive option at right-back, which could prompt question marks over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future despite some impressive displays in the second half of last season. The 23-year-old defender has been a regular starter for Monaco this season, making 23 appearances in all competitions and scoring two goals.
It remains to be seen if United can get a deal over the line for Disasi, but it is clear that Ten Hag is keen to add a new defender to his squad this summer. With Newcastle also interested, United will need to move quickly if they are to secure the services of the Monaco star.