Newcastle join Man Utd in race to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi

Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi this summer, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have been linked with Disasi for a number of weeks. The club have already held talks with the player’s camp, but are yet to make an approach to sign him.

Romano has now revealed that the Magpies have entered the pursuit. They have discussed on the player’s side this week, and are expected to make contact with Monaco.

Man Utd risk losing Disasi to Newcastle

United were heavily linked with Napoli’s Kim Min-jae earlier in the summer transfer window, but the South Korean has made the decision to join Bayern Munich.

Disasi has been identified as the back-up choice for the Red Devils. Erik ten Hag has given the ‘approval‘ to sign him, but the question is whether United have the funds.

The club recently spent an initial £50 million to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea while they are currently close to landing Onana in a deal more than £43m including bonuses.

After Onana’s arrival, United could shift their attention to signing Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. The club are weighing up an opening bid of around £50m for him.

This would take their spending above the summer budget of £120m. United will need to recoup funds from player sales before they can afford more transfer deals.

In our opinion, United could risk losing Disasi to Newcastle unless they find a solution quickly. A transfer for Disasi could highly depend on the sale of Harry Maguire.

Maguire could be sold for a fee between £30-40m, but United may need to hand him a huge pay-off, considering no club will meet his £190,000-a-week salary.

Disasi, who could be available for £34m up front, is said to be keen on joining United this summer, but he may not stay patient for long if the Magpies make an offer.