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Tony MoganPublished Aug 12, 2024, 2:08pm|Updated Aug 12, 2024, 2:09pm
Manchester United have turned down the chance to sign defender Mario Hermoso on a free transfer.
Defensive reinforcements have been a priority for Erik ten Hag this summer with Leny Yoro joining the club from Lille for £52million.
With the French star sidelined for three months however, United have ramped up efforts to sign another option at centre-half and are expected to poised to complete the signing of Matthijs de Ligt this week, along with his Bayern Munich teammate Noussair Mazraoui.
Both players travelled to the UK on Monday morning and it may not be the end of their summer spending.
With a new midfielder also been sought, reports have linked the club with a move for 29-year-old defender Hermoso, who is currently a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid this summer.
In addition to centre-half, Hermoso can also play at left-back, an area of the pitch that was a persistent problem for United last season.
Tyrell Malacia missed the entire campaign with a knee injury with Luke Shaw also ruled out for large spells – also missing Saturday’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City.
However, United have no plans to sign Hermoso having informed the player’s camp of their decision, AS report.
While the Spaniard is eager to continue playing in Europe, his only firm offer so far is from Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab.
United’s immediate focus is putting the finishing touches on deals for de Ligt and Mazraoui.
United have agreed an initial €45m (£38.5m) fee with Bayern for De Ligt which includes a further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.
Mazraoui will join for a reported fee of €20m (£17.1m).
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui were seen at Munich airport early on Monday morning ahead of their flight to Manchester, with De Ligt telling Sky Germany reporter, Ben Heckner: ‘Noussair is waiting for me.’
United are still keen to sign a midfielder but have refused to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s demands for Manuel Ugarte.
Burnley’s Sander Berge has emerged as another possible option.
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