Manchester United are close to completing three transfers to boost their squad ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
The Red Devils have already made a couple of big-money moves this summer, signing midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Deals for Rasmus Hojlund, Sofyan Amrabat and Jonny Evans are close to being completed before the big kick-off in just over one week.
United’s summer transfer business may well spark a reaction in the outright betting market to win the title, with the club currently fourth favourites to claim top spot.
DraftKings Sportsbook are offering odds of +1000, but that price will likely disappear once United get their transfer deals over the line.
Hojlund’s move from Atlanta is expected to be completed within the next day, with the striker reportedly already in Manchester for his medical.
A deal worth €85 million has been agreed between the clubs, and the Danish international will sign a five-year contract with an option to extend it by a further 12 months.
The striker emerged as United’s top target after they were priced out of a move for Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane.
Given the respective ages of the players, the Red Devils will feel their move for Hojlund is a more sensible long-term option.
Although still a little rough around the edges, the 20-year-old is the type of player who will flourish under manager Erik ten Hag.
United are also in negotiations with Fiorentina over Amrabat, with Ten Hag eager to add the Moroccan international to his midfield options.
Amrabat would add some steel and guile to United’s engine room and is undoubtedly an improvement on Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek.
He would provide genuine competition and cover for Casemiro, while his work rate would be extremely useful to United in bigger games.
United were far too reliant on Casemiro last season, but signing Amrabat would give them two world-class options to protect the back four.
Amrabat has hinted he could remain with Fiorentina if the clubs fail to agree a fee, although they are expected to find some common ground in the coming days.
Evans has emerged as a surprise defensive option for United after being handed the chance to impress during pre-season by Ten Hag.
The Dutchman had been impressed with Evans’ leadership qualities and believes he could be a useful acquisition on a free transfer despite being in the veteran stage of his career.
Evens initially signed a short-term deal with the Red Devils to cover pre-season friendlies but is in line to be offered a permanent one-year contract.
While the move has raised plenty of eyebrows, Evans is a reliable character who should prove to be a welcome addition to the dressing room.
His arrival would cast further doubt over Harry Maguire’s future, particularly given he was recently stripped of the club captaincy.
West Ham United have been linked with the defender, but the Red Devils rejected their opening bid worth around £20 million.
Maguire desperately needs to secure regular first-team football this season, with his place in the England squad now under serious threat.
The Three Lions are on course to qualify for the 2024 European Championships in Germany, and the former Leicester City star will want to be in the line-up.
England manager Gareth Southgate has warned Maguire he needs to play regularly, and he may well be on his way out of Old Trafford before the end of August.
