Manchester United transfer 'confirmed' as manager admits interest in Erik ten Hag starlet

Manchester United has come straight out of the blocks with its transfer activity this summer. It's a fresh era at Old Trafford during this window, with INEOS stamping its authority after taking the reins. Erik ten Hag's inked a new contract and there's a shake-up among his support team too.

In the realm of player signings, United is buzzing with plans. It is in the hunt for a forward and seems to have locked sight on Joshua Zirkzee as the main target. To bankroll future spending sprees, selling some players might be in the cards. With all that buzz, here's the lowdown on the latest transfer chatter linked to Old Trafford from the last day or so.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic — an advisor at AC Milan — might've just let slip about United bagging Joshua Zirkzee. He said during a press conference: "[Zirkzee's] the past. As Paulo [Fonseca] said, we have a player in mind, I won't say his name. There is somebody, let's see." The Italians seem to have shifted their gaze to Atletico Madrid ace and the Spanish skipper Alvaro Morata.

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Meanwhile, Real Valladolid's coach Paulo Pezzolano has hinted at potential interest in Manchester United's promising youngster Facundo Pellistri, admitting (via the MEN) that "he would be a very important player," and acknowledged internal discussions about the winger.

"We talked about many names (with the sports management) and one of them, without a doubt, is him," he said. "I think it could benefit him a lot to be with us, although there are financial details that can or cannot be given."

Pezzolano expressed his admiration but also his restraint, saying: "We know that it is not easy for us. I love him, but I have not dared to call him because I want him to give his best with the national team, although I suppose his representative will have sent it to him."

He also described the ideal scenario for Pellistri joining Valladolid: "Arriving at a team like ours in the pre-season, adapting well to the group, knowing that he comes to an intense, dynamic, vertical team when he goes outside... he can show off a lot when stepping into the area."

In other news, Sofyan Amrabat, the former Manchester United midfielder, has been instructed to stay away from Fiorentina for now. The Moroccan spent last season on loan at Old Trafford with the Red Devils holding an option to buy.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, it only has until 21 July to make its decision. Consequently, Amrabat has been instructed not to report for pre-season training with Fiorentina until then. It was previously suggested that it was his "dream" to return to Manchester United.