Man Utd dependent on selling defender in bid to sign Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt | OneFootball

Manchester United need to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka before agreeing incoming transfers for defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, according to a report.

The Red Devils have already made a splash in the summer transfer window by bringing in Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee and French teenager Leny Yoro, but are keen to make more moves to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad before the start of the new campaign.

Sky Germany understand United remain locked in talks with German giants Bayern Munich for Mazraoui and De Ligt, with agent Rafaela Pimenta playing a key role in negotiations. Both players are keen on the move, but the future of Mazraoui is reportedly dependent on Wan-Bissaka's movement.

Fabrizio Romano adds that while the Morocco international is 'waiting' for a deal to be finalised between United and Bayern, any prospective transfer 'depends' on former Crystal Palace right-back Wan-Bissaka, who is said to be in talks with West Ham United.

The Irons had previously been keen on Mazraoui before the move collapsed as United surged into advanced talks.

Mazraoui and De Ligt are both wanted by United / ANP/GettyImages

United's interest in De Ligt has been consistent throughout the summer. Raphael Varane left on a free transfer before Yoro was snapped up, with a senior centre-back still desired at Old Trafford.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness recently opened the door for the Netherlands international - who got no minutes at Euro 2024 - to leave Bavaria, hinting he would instead prefer to keep France international Dayot Upamecano.

United have also seen two bids for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite turned down this summer as they plan to add greater depth to their centre-back options which currently include Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Yoro and Jonny Evans.

There is concern over Yoro, however, after he suffered an injury during the pre-season friendly defeat to Arsenal. Striker Rasmus Hojlund also had to be substituted shortly after scoring the game's opener before United slipped to a 2-1 loss.