There has been another big development in the transfer saga between West Ham and Manchester United for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham fans are starting to fear the worst regarding the club’s move for Man United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Hammers have been linked with the Red Devils right-back for several windows.
And they faced competition from Wolves for the Man United man when Julen Lopetegui was the manager at Molineux.
So when Lopetegui – who was also linked with Manchester United before Erik ten Hag retained his position – took over at West Ham, it was inevitable Wan-Bissaka would be back on the agenda.
Thus far West Ham and Man United have not been able to reach an agreement for the 26-year-old.
When talks hit a dead end last week, the Hammers launched a move for Man United target Noussair Mazraoui instead.
That deal looked to be progressing rapidly.
West Ham and Man United chess match for right-backs
But it turned out to be a bluff from West Ham to try and force Man United’s hand over Wan-Bissaka.
It seemed to have worked as a host of outlets have reported on a daily basis a deal between the Irons and Manchester United is edging ever closer.
Earlier this week, West Ham were infuriated by Man United’s actions over Wan-Bissaka after they finally agreed personal terms with the right-back.
That’s after Old Trafford chiefs suddenly hiked the price again after lowering their demands following West Ham’s move for Mazraoui.
West Ham confirmed yesterday they want to ‘crack on’ with the signing of Wan-Bissaka as soon as possible.
So when he started – and played 83 minutes of – Man United’s 3-0 friendly defeat to Liverpool overnight, a journalist labelled the Red Devils ‘crazy’.
That decision from Ten Hag has seen doubts cast over the deal, especially after Inter Milan allegedly registered their interest.
Plot thickens for Wan-Bissaka hopes as Man United book flight
But now the plot has thickened for West Ham’s Wan-Bissaka hopes as Man United book a flight.
According to Foot Mercato and Get French Football News, Man United have now agreed to sign Mazraoui and all that remains is a medical on Tuesday.
The Old Trafford club has got the Moroccan’s flights booked to Manchester to complete the move imminently.
It is even claimed Ten Hag wants Mazraoui signed and in the squad for next Saturday’s Community Shield clash with Man City.
“The Moroccan right-back is set to fly to Manchester in the coming days to complete his move to join the Premier League club,” the report states.
“As long as everything goes to plan, a medical is set to be completed on Tuesday next week.
“Foot Mercato understand Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is counting on having his former player available for the Red Devils’ first game of the season in the FA Community Shield.”
Great news for Hammers and Red Devils?
This is huge for West Ham and great news for Man United fans who have been excited at the prospect of Mazraoui’s superior attacking output.
It surely means the Hammers are now on the verge of getting this deal done for Wan-Bissaka.
With West Ham and Man United travelling back from the US in the next 24 hours, a deal could be finalised more quickly.
Fears over an injury to Wan-Bissaka in the defeat to Liverpool are unfounded.
He was withdrawn with a minor head knock.
Key to this deal is the fact Wan-Bissaka’s agent is Will Salthouse, who is close with West Ham majority owner David Sullivan and his sons.
Salthouse has been privately urging Sullivan to sign Wan-Bissaka.
Lopetegui is undoubtedly echoing those pleas after bemoaning West Ham’s performances in pre-season, following consecutive 3-1 defeats to Wolves and Palace.
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