Man Utd didn’t view Yves Bissouma as ‘serious’ candidate despite phone call

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte secured his third summer signing with a deal for Yves Bissouma this week, despite Brighton receiving a late transfer call from Manchester United

Manchester United reportedly did not consider Yves Bissouma a ‘serious candidate’ for a transfer, despite making a late call ahead of his move to Tottenham.

Erik ten Hag is expected to lead a major rebuild at Old Trafford this summer, but the Red Devils are yet to make a senior signing since the transfer window opened. United have released a host of first-team stars, with the likes of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba all departing.

United’s central midfield has been a source of criticism from fans and commentators alike in recent seasons. It is an area in which Ten Hag is reportedly keen to strengthen, with Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong identified as his top target.

The pair worked together at Ajax, and the Catalan giants are said to considering cashing in on the midfielder due to their financial woes. De Jong starred for the Netherlands during their recent Nations League fixtures, but has refused to be drawn on speculation over his future.

Reports suggest the clubs are still some way apart in their valuation of the midfielder, with claims emerging that Ten Hag is growing frustrated over the lack of progress. The 25-year-old remains the United boss’ prime transfer target in this window.

However, The Athletic report that the Red Devils made a late call to Brighton over a prospective deal for Bissouma. The Mali international has impressed during his four-year stint with the Seagulls, and has now become Antonio Conte’s third signing at Tottenham this summer.

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United made a late check on Bissouma, but the report outlines that the 25-year-old was never considered a ‘serious’ transfer option this summer. Instead, the Red Devils appear to be holding out for a move for De Jong despite the reported frustrations over negotiations.

Bissouma was unveiled on Friday following a £25million move, and revealed the interest of the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss was a key factor in his decision to sign. The midfielder told the club’s website: “We have a good group, and a great coach, everyone knows him.

“I know I can pass this step with him. I know he will help me more to be what I want to be and try to help the team as well. I’m very happy to play with him.”

United are one of several clubs to make an offer to Christian Eriksen, who is available as a free agent following his brief spell at Brentford. The Bees are keen to agree a new deal with the Denmark international, while former club Tottenham have also been linked.

Eriksen has been offered a one-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option for a second season. However, reports suggest the 30-year-old could be leaning towards remaining in the capital with a return to Tottenham on the cards.

Eriksen worked under Conte at Inter Milan, where the pair won the Serie A title in 2021. The attacking midfielder left the Italian side by mutual consent in December last year, with domestic regulations preventing him from playing with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device.