Manchester United ‘swap deal’ has gone quiet despite Erik ten Hag wanting transfer | Football | Sport
Manchester United want to land a new right-back this summer. Erik ten Hag is unconvinced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Diogo Dalot continues to struggle for consistency. But talk of a swap deal for Norwich City star Max Aarons appears to have gone quiet.
Manchester United are looking to sign a new right-back as they look to challenge for the biggest trophies under Ten Hag.
Just three years ago, they spent £50million on Wan-Bissaka – with the full-back touching down from Crystal Palace.
But the 24-year-old has failed to kick on and, if a suitable offer arrives, he could be offloaded.
The year before Dalot touched down, with the Portugal international immediately compared to Gary Neville by Jose Mourinho.
Yet, like Wan-Bissaka, there’s a sense United could do with an upgrade as they look to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Back in May when it became clear the Red Devils would try and land a new right-back, Football League World claimed United were ‘considering’ a swap deal offer for Norwich City’s Aarons.
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The 22-year-old was a shining light for the Canaries despite them experiencing a difficult season last term.
Norwich were said to be ‘bracing’ themselves that the 22-year-old will leave Carrow Road, especially given they’ll be playing in the Championship next season.
And they had identified Ethan Laird as a player they’d want in return for Aarons.
The right-back is back at United this summer after loan spells with Swansea and Bournemouth last term.
Yet while Norwich appear to be willing to do a swap, things have currently gone quiet.
It’ll be interesting to see if United do manage to bring in a reinforcement in an area that has caused them issues in recent years.
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As well as Aarons, Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries has also been linked – with the player’s long-term future at the San Siro up in the air.
But there’s nothing at present to suggest the Red Devils are in for the Netherlands international.
Instead, United appear to have more pressing areas of their squad they’re hoping to bolster.
They’re pushing ahead with plans to land Frenkie de Jong, despite claims the Barcelona star doesn’t want a move to Old Trafford.
United have agreed a fee with Lisandro Martinez, who is poised to join from Ajax.
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And the Red Devils are also hopeful of recruiting Christian Eriksen, who is now a free agent after his short-term Brentford contract expired.
Meanwhile, regarding Aarons, Rio Ferdinand endorsed a move for the full-back earlier in the year.
“Someone like Max Aarons, you could put him in like a Chris Smalling-type signing where they come in and they have an impact,” he said.
“They may not be straight starters immediately but they go and they stay there for 10 years and have a really good career and they impact the club at different levels.”
In April, meanwhile, former Leeds star Noel Whelan urged Arsenal to sign Aarons.
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“That could be shrewd business,” he said.
“We know they’re trying to rebuild and trying to bring in young players to have that longevity going forward.
“He knows what the Premier League is all about. And at 22 years of age – that truly is longevity in a key position.
“Give him a big five-year contract, and the position is sorted. He ticks all the boxes for Arsenal.
“He’s a box-to-box player, can defend, gets forward – he’d be a great addition for anyone in the top half.
“Aarons is exactly the sort of player they need to be looking at this summer.”
