JUST IN: United unveiled squad numbers for two latest signings
Manchester United are continuing to pursue the loan market in an attempt to bolster their squad before the 11pm transfer deadline on Friday night.
But will late targets Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat rubber-stamp proposed switches to Old Trafford before Europe’s elite finalise their summer business?
Having finished third position in the Premier League last season – as well as ending the club’s trophy hoodoo – Erik ten Hag and key figures behind the scenes moved decisively to sign Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Denmark ace Rasmus Hojlund for a combined £180million outlay. That was a huge chunk of the budget.
Further additions were, always, set to be governed by outgoings and United have generally struggled to generate much-needed cash from players thought to have been deemed surplus to requirements. Harry Maguire rejected an offer to join West Ham after an agreement in principle was reached.
That would have been worth £30m to United and the money could have been thrown straight back into their transfer kitty. As things stand, though, they have also been unable to shift players such as Eric Bailly and Donny van de Beek with the only profitable outgoing being Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace for an initial £20m.
As such, loan recruits are more feasible heading into deadline day. Discussions are ongoing to, potentially, snap-up Reguilon and Amrabat from Tottenham and Fiorentina, respectively, in that regard.
United were forced back into the market for another left-back with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured. But after originally setting their sights on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who has yet to feature in the Premier League for them this season, compatriot Reguilon is now the main focus with 24 hours to go in the window.
Amrabat, similarly, is an alternative option to Liverpool-bound Ryan Gravenberch. Ten Hag wanted to strengthen in the engine room even before £60m man Mount suffered his own injury setback.
Although there are some rather more important details to iron out before Reguilon or Amrabat sign, there will also be some interest in what squad numbers they will be assigned for anyone wanting to get their names printed on the home, away or third jersey. No.3 and No.4 are, perhaps, the most viable choices for Reguilon and Amrabat.
However, there are other options yet to be assigned including; 1, 13, 15, 17, 26, 30, 31 and 32.