Kieran Trippier has been told he will be a Manchester United player at the end of July, with personal terms already agreed in principle between the player’s agents and the Premier League club.
United have been proactive in the transfer window so far this summer and landed the long-term goal of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for around £ 73 million. But the club strives to strengthen in other areas as well, with the defensive line as one of the most important areas of attention.
Talks are underway over an agreement on winning midfielder Raphael Varane – United hope that an agreement can be reached with Real Madrid in the coming weeks – while the defenders have also been a focus area for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Solskjaer has wanted another option to choose from current first-choice Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw, and Trippier has been seen as the perfect fit.
United also looked at Rangers captain James Tavernier and Norwich’s high-ranked England Under-21 right-back Max Aarons, but Trippier’s ability to cover both sides of the pitch – shown during England’s Euro 2020 final – has convinced United’s hierarchy that the 30-year-old is the right option.
90min has learned United and Atletico Madrid are finalizing a deal worth around £ 20 million. Sources close to the player have confirmed that Trippier has been told that he will become a United player when his holiday after Euro 2020 ends.
While it is primarily an option to compete with Wan-Bissaka on the right back, Trippier is also seen as an option to cover Shaw, who is in the best shape of his career for club and country.
Trippier has informed Atletico that he would like to move back to England this summer, and when United’s interest in him arose, his focus was to complete a move back to the North West. Trippier was born in Bury and came through the academy in Manchester City, although his family is perceived as United fans.
United have other back-up options but have not been convinced of their suitability. Diogo Dalot spent last season on loan at Milan and United are willing to sell at the right price, while Brandon Williams has a number of loan options and wants to play football in the first team.
Alex Telles, who was signed from Porto last summer and has been linked with a transfer to AS Roma, has been told he can find another club.
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