Man Utd 'intend' to 'drop' midfielder in 'attractive proposal' to sign star valued at €45m

According to reports, Man Utd are ready to 'drop' Donny van de Beek this summer to bolster their bid to sign AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer.

AC Milan paid €16m plus extras to sign the defensive midfielder from Serie A rivals Empoli in 2019.

The 24-year-old has already played 105 times for the Serie A giants in all competitions. He is also an international for Algeria, having played 40 times for his country since 2016.

£63m summer XI sold by Premier League clubs this summer after zero games

Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that Man Utd 'intend to make an attractive offer' to sign Bennacer.

The report notes that the Red Devils could 'drop' Van de Beek to get a 'significant discount' on Benncacer, who is valued at €45m.

Bennacer's current contract is due to expire in 2024. A swap deal involving Van de Beek has been 'proposed' by Man Utd.

The Dutchman has barely played for United in the past two seasons. He was loaned to Everton last season.

Although Erik ten Hag - who managed Van de Beek at Ajax - has suggested the midfielder could be operated on in an 'advanced role' next season.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag called Lisandro Martinez a 'warrior' as he explained the key attributes of Manchester United's new signing.

United and Ajax have agreed a transfer fee of £46.8m, rising to £55.3m, for the 24-year-old, who will sign a five-year contract, pending personal conditions and visa requirements.

Ten Hag, who worked with Martinez during his time with the Dutch giants, hailed the defender's aggression and skill on the ball, admitting his left foot was also key to the deal.

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"He's a warrior and I think the fans are going to admire him. He's got an attitude, a fighting spirit," Ten Hag said. "He brings aggression to the game, in a good way. . I think we need it. But also, he's also skilful and he can handle the ball and he's left-footed."

"I think it's important, yes," the manager continued when asked if knowing his methods already would help Martinez adapt to the Premier League. "I think the Premier League is high intensity, with a lot of challenges. We need such players [with a fighting spirit].

"Some ideas he knows. That's clearly an advantage. But also he has to adapt, to a new country, a new club, new teammates. So also a lot of things will be different."

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