
Manchester United are prepared to offload as many as seven defenders as they look to trim their wage bill and raise transfer funds, The Telegraph’s James Ducker reports.
The Red Devils have struggled to part ways with out-of-favour contracted players this summer. Andreas Pereira has been the only departure, having joined Fulham for £10 million.
There should be more outgoings over the coming weeks, and Ducker has revealed that as many as seven defenders could be shown the exit door before the transfer deadline.
Ethan Laird is on his way to Watford on a season-long loan deal, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams could also leave.
Bailly is the subject of interest from Sevilla, Roma, AC Milan and Fulham. Sevilla are also looking into a deal for Telles, who is now United’s third-choice left-back behind Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.
Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe are on the radar of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively. Phil Jones could reunite with Wayne Rooney, who is now DC United’s manager.
Man Utd may have to contend with multiple loan exits
United were fancied to make big-money signings this summer, but they have spent just around £65 million for the purchases of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
A new striker and midfielder could be pursued over the coming weeks, but Erik ten Hag may also have plans of landing a new right-back. Before that, the club will be hoping to offload some players.
From the above names listed, almost everyone aside from Wan-Bissaka and Telles were fringe players last term. Hence, United may need to accept knockdown prices or sanction loan deals with buy options.
Judging by recent speculation, Williams is one of the players that could provide valuable funds. Brighton reportedly see him as a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who is close to joining Chelsea.
It was recently reported that the Seagulls would be prepared to pay £15m for the United graduate, and the Red Devils should be willing to do business as he is well down the pecking order.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
