sport news Man United are FINALLY get down to transfer business (but Ronaldo's still ... trends now
What a difference a week can make.
It had been rather quiet on the transfer front at Manchester United until the Old Trafford machine belatedly kicked into gear last week.
As all of their rivals around them have strengthened with statement signings, United were in serious danger of falling even further behind - not exactly the start new manager Erik ten Hag would have wanted.
Of course, there was - and still is - speculation and rumour. United have already been linked with nearly 90 players in the summer window, enough for five brand-new squads of 18.
Three of those might finally be arriving, potentially by the end of this week - but question marks over whether they will be enough remain.
The first through the door will be left-back Tyrell Malacia in a £13million deal from Feyenoord.
The 22-year-old Dutchman, of whom Ten Hag is known to be a huge admirer, appeared to be heading to Lyon before United spotted an opportunity and gazumped the French club to get their man. He arrived at Carrington on Monday morning to carry out his medical.
Tyrell Malacia arrived at Carrington for his medical ahead of a £13million move to United
The highly-rated young Dutch defender will be the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era but Frenkie de Jong (right) is the new manager's No 1 target this summer
While perhaps not one to get pulses racing among disgruntled and frustrated United fans, it is a position where United have long required depth and he will provide much-needed competition for Luke Shaw.
Alex Telles is still on the books at Old Trafford but failed to seize his chance to nail down his place in the side, and was arguably one of United worst performers in a dismal campaign last term.
The deal for Malacia was a rarity for United in the transfer market in recent years as it was done largely under the radar.
That cannot be said for the club's protracted pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder is United's top target this summer and the club have been in talks over the player with Barcelona for weeks.
Ten Hag and De Jong worked well together at Ajax and United remain in talks with Barcelona
Discussions are now focused on the structure of payment. United look set to stump up an initial £55m for the 25-year-old, with the deal rising to a potential £70m including add-ons.
The De Jong saga took a strange twist last week when Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested the Dutchman could end up staying at the Nou Camp if he is willing to take a pay cut.
Laporta has been keen to ease Barca's financial crisis by selling De Jong to United but realises the star is unwilling to be pushed out against his will. So Laporta has claimed he could stay, provided he accepts a reduction in his wages.
At this stage, however, it is more likely that De Jong signs on the dotted line at Old Trafford in what would be an excellent signing for a side that has just lost Paul Pogba.
There is no doubt De Jong would improve the current crop of United midfielders - some may suggest that is not too arduous a challenge - and his relationship with Ten Hag can only be a positive.
United are also locked in a battle with Arsenal for the signature of Ajax's Lisandro Martinez
Ten Hag had hoped United would get their business done before departing for on tour
Another of Ten Hag's former charges at Ajax could also be arriving as United want to bolster their much-maligned defensive unit by adding Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez to their ranks.
United are going head-to-head with Arsenal for the 24-year-old, with both clubs having submitted bids for the player.
An Ajax delegation of Klaas-Jan
