Manchester United are still making moves in the transfer market with just five days remaining of the window, and they appear to have agreed a fee to sell an important first-team player.
Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to strengthen his playing squad further before the end of the month despite United having already signed Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined sum of approximately €164.5 million ($183.6 million).
The Red Devils have so far recouped around €66m ($73.9m) through player sales, most notably Mason Greenwood to Marseille and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, yet further exits are needed to allow them enough wiggle room to bring in more reinforcements while toeing the line of the Premier League's financial rules.
One such deal may now be in the offing that could help them achieve such a balance.
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According to widespread reports in the UK on August 25, United and Napoli have agreed a €30m ($33.6m) fee for midfielder Scott McTominay. The Scotland international was a target for Fulham earlier in the window, but the Cottagers did not match United's valuation.
McTominay, who turns 28 in December, has one year left on his United contract — although there is an option to extend by an additional 12 months — so the fee represents good business from the club's perspective. The fact he is a homegrown player also reflects more positively on the balance sheet, thereby easing any possible financial worries.
For Napoli and head coach Antonio Conte, signing a player of McTominay's experience for a relatively modest sum would also be seen as a positive as they attempt to challenge Inter Milan for the Serie A title this season.
McTominay had looked likely to leave Old Trafford a year ago but ended up staying and playing 43 times in all competitions. He scored 10 goals — the best single-season return of his career — and started the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
In total, he has played 255 times for United, his most recent appearance coming as a substitute in the 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 24.
