Man Utd make ‘unexpected’ move for £34m ace who crushed Newcastle’s Champions League dream

Reports suggest that Manchester United has made a surprising move to acquire AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori. With uncertainty surrounding Raphael Varane’s future, manager Erik ten Hag is anticipated to bring in a new center-back next year, and Tomori is a potential candidate for a return to the Premier League.

Varane’s standing at United has become uncertain this season as he fell out of favor with Ten Hag, who reinstated Harry Maguire as the primary right-sided center-back. Recent revelations about Varane’s contract, set to expire next summer instead of 2025, have increased the likelihood of an early exit, prompting United to search for a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez upon his return from injury.

Tomori, who has evolved into one of Europe’s top center-backs since moving from Chelsea to Milan, is reportedly Ten Hag’s preferred choice. Milan Live reports that United is actively pursuing Tomori’s return to the Premier League, with increasing interest expected in the coming months. The Red Devils purportedly see Tomori as a target for the next summer transfer window and could secure his signature by offering a competitive salary. The report suggests that Tomori’s tenure at Milan could potentially end unexpectedly in 2024 due to the growing interest from United.

It is claimed that Milan is demanding at least £34 million to part ways with Tomori, whose contract at the San Siro runs until 2027. The club may need to raise funds at the end of the season for upgrades to Stefano Pioli’s side and might consider “sacrificing” the former Chelsea player.