Manchester United and Newcastle United find themselves vying for the same footballing gems, with AS Monaco's 25-year-old centre-back, Axel Disasi, the most recent focal point of their contest. Both clubs, driven by a thirst for robust defensive capabilities, have expressed interest in the French star who has left a remarkable impression in Ligue 1.
Both Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United and Eddie Howe at Newcastle United have their sights set on Disasi, a defensive force who excelled at Monaco, earning the captain's armband on multiple occasions and playing a pivotal role in attaining nine clean sheets last season. Despite Manchester United's increased focus on signing a striker and a goalkeeper, renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano suggests that they've been in discussions regarding Disasi for weeks.
Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United's manager, is eager to reinforce his defense amid the ongoing ambiguity surrounding Harry Maguire's tenure at Old Trafford. Despite losing their prime centre-back target, Kim Min-jae, Manchester United seems unflinching and confident in their pursuit of Disasi.
Contrarily, Newcastle United's plan has multiple routes. Although they expressed an interest in AS Monaco's stalwart, Disasi, they're also exploring other options such as Southampton's 26-year-old star, Kyle Walker-Peters. Dean Jones of GiveMeSport suggests that talks with Walker-Peters were already in advanced stages, even more than with Tino Livramento, another Southampton talent.
Walker-Peters, a right-back who also exhibits exceptional dexterity on either flank, appears to be a smart acquisition for the Magpies. Eddie Howe's team values the player's Premier League experience, technical prowess, and adaptability, all of which can be useful assets for the coming Champions League season at St James' Park.
Newcastle's defensive strategy is further complicated by the existing success of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, who played crucial roles in achieving one of the Premier League's best defensive records last season. Regardless, Howe aims to induce a healthy competition within his squad, considering more signings like Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio and Harvey Barnes.
Both Manchester United and Newcastle United must overcome the hurdle of AS Monaco's hefty price tag for Disasi, estimated at €50m. Whether either club will meet this asking price remains a point of intrigue in this summer's transfer window. As the tussle between these Premier League giants intensifies, fans and pundits alike will watch eagerly to see which club wins this defensive tug-of-war.
