Donny van de Beek in talks to leave as Manchester United focus on clearout

Donny van de Beek is in talks to leave as Mancheste United focus on cleanup

Donny van de Beek’s miserable three years at Man United could come to an end, with more opportunities.

Manchester United are in talks with Real Sociedad for the definitive transfer of Donny van de Beek.

Van de Beek, 26, has struggled since he joined United three years ago in a £40m deal and has started just six Premier League games for the club. Van de Beek scored twice in 60 appearances for United.

The Dutchman started Sunday’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin but was the only player to be substituted at half-time. United treats any additional income as bonuses that are largely dependent on expenses.

Nottingham Forest remain keen to sign Dean Henderson, while United are still negotiating a potential loan deal with an obligation to buy. United would like Henderson’s fee in January so they can meet the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.

Sources say interest in Fred has cooled off, but Fulham remain open to signing the Brazilian midfielder. Fred, 30, missed United’s pre-season tour due to a personal issue and was not involved in friendlies with Lens and Athletic Bilbao this weekend. Galatasaray did not present Fred with an acceptable offer.

Eric Bailly is not part of United manager Erik ten Hag’s plans and is attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Bailly will be sacked next year if he stays at United beyond the January transfer window.

Tom Heaton is unlikely to be allowed to leave as Henderson’s exit is likely. Luton Town and Hull City had inquired about Heaton, 37, but Ten Hag appreciates his experience and he could be United’s second-greatest goalkeeper this season behind Andre Onana. Harry Maguire’s future depends on the defender. United are not actively pushing Maguire out and Ten Hag are aware United do not have a deep pool of central halves.

Maguire lost his starting job two games last season and was stripped of the captaincy last month. West Ham United manager David Moyes wants to sign Maguire, but there is internal conflict at the club over their recruitment strategy.

West Ham are the only Premier League club to have signed a contract this summer and Moyes is also interested in Scott McTominay. McTominay’s chances of leaving United have diminished following an injury to fellow midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is expected to be sidelined until mid-September.