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Galatasaray have been very persistent in their pursuit of Scott McTominay, however they may now be faltering. After a number of bids being rejected by United from the Turkish club, Galatasaray have now declared interest in a potential alternative to the Scotland international.
The centre-midfielder has found himself at the centre of a transfer race, with three English sides and two Turkish clubs fighting for his signature. Everton, Fulham, Spurs, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have all been linked with McTominay in recent weeks.
Whilst Fulham and Galatasaray have submitted a number of bids so far, all have fallen short of United’s £30 million price tag.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is looking for a new midfielder as well, and despite no offer being submitted, the London-based club are keen to fight for the Scottish star.
However, McTominay has so far only agreed to terms with Galatasaray, making them the front runners in the race for the midfielder. This makes it more concerning for United that The Turkish club may now be looking elsewhere.
United’s need to sell Scott McTominay
Erik Ten Hag has praised McTominay and his play, with last year being his career best in goals scored, grabbing 10 in 43 games across all competitions with three assists. Despite this, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth have identified the midfielder as a priority sale this summer.
McTominay is now entering the last year of his contract, making this the last chance for United to cash in on the star before he could potentially leave on a free transfer next summer. This is even more important with the sale of the United academy graduate registering as “pure profit” under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The club are in desperate need of raising funds in order to complete their currently stalled transfers and to target new players in the wake of the recent injury spree from the pre-season tour. With Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro, Antony, Victor Lindelof, Will Fish and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all taken off due to injury across their three games, United will need to rethink their options going into the coming season.
As a result, United are hanging on tight for the £30 million they value McTominay as being worth. However, this steadfast position is causing interest to fade with the concern that Fulham may soon look to alternatives, with Galatasaray reportedly already doing so.
Galatasaray begin looking elsewhere
Now, with a number of bids rejected, The Sun have reported that the Turkish champions are now looking to McTominay alternatives and may have found one in United’s bitter rivals.
The report explained that Galatasaray are now looking at Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
It’s understood that the Citizens are looking to offload Phillips who has struggled to establish himself in the team since his move from Leeds United in 2022 for £45 million.
Although the Turkish club are now looking to the 28-year-old, they face stiff opposition, with Roma, RedBull Leipzig and RedBull Salzburg all looking to the England international.
With interest now starting to waiver, United may have to keep McTominay if they fail to lower their asking price for the star, which ultimately may help ten Hag with his depth to cover injuries once more.
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