Transfer notebook: Dan Ashworth delay gives Erik ten Hag a stay of execution at Man United, Man United and Chelsea could target Wolves star
Manchester United are prepared to play waiting for Dan Ashworth, which could lead to an under-pressure Erik ten Hag calling it quits.
Ashworth has accepted to become Man United's first sporting director after handing his sacking at Newcastle.
The Red Devils wanted the former FA bigwig there in time to lead their summer recruitment plans but are still refusing to pay Newcastle's £20m asking price to release him early from his lengthy gardening leave. .
talkSPORT understands Man United are more hopeful of reaching a compromise with Southampton to allow Jason Wilcox to take up his role as technical director at the start of the transfer window and work alongside incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.
Ten Hag's position is under intense scrutiny after a very disappointing season, but Ashworth would want a major input in any change on the bench and, as things stand, Man United are preparing for the start of the new season with the Dutchman. commanding. .
Not luiz-ing
Aston Villa There is more and more hope in the star midfielder. Douglas Luis will sign a new long-term contract.
Arsenal Several offers for Luiz were rejected during the January 2023 transfer window and the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta He remains a great admirer of the Brazilian.
Luiz's current contract expires in the summer of 2026, but Villa are confident he will commit his future to the club, especially if they secure a Champions League place next season.
The 26-year-old has spoken publicly about how settled he is at Villa Park.
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Reaching the Champions League will also help Villa with respect to the Premier League's sustainability and profit rules.
Pattern sale
West Ham are willing to listen to offers for the captain Kurt Zouma as part of a busy summer at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have already lined up a number of targets, including Fulham center back Tosin Adarabioyo, available on a free transfer, and Panathinaikos striker Fortis Ioannidis.
Taking players off the wage bill is also part of the plan and Zouma, one of the Hammers' highest earners, is seen as expendable after being hampered by the effects of a long-term knee injury.
The 29-year-old has already attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League in the past.
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Cautious wolves
Wolves are preparing for a battle to keep Rayan Ait-Nouri fit.
After being bombed by Julen LopeteguiDefender Ait-Nouri has become one of Gary O'Neil's key men, contributing with some vital goals in recent weeks after being asked to play in a more advanced role due to the team's attacking injury crisis. Molineux team.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain were already following the Algerian and Premier League clubs will surely join them.
manchester united and Chelsea Both will be looking for reinforcements at left back this summer, while Newcastle have no options in that area either.
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Ait-Nouri is not the only Wolves man attracting the attention of bigger clubs: midfielder Joao Gomes is on the radar of both United and Arsenal and Pedro Neto is also looking to join a Champions League side.
talkSPORT has been told the Wanderers are not under the same financial pressure to sell as they were a year ago and are prepared to wait for big offers.
