Man United's dream £40m transfer 'swap', Bruno Fernandes stays and £92m double swoop completed

Manchester United's summer transfer window has been slow going up to this point.

The Reds have not made any acquisitions to date as a combination of uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag, Euro 2024 and Copa America action plus the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) threat, delayed progress. However, with the PSR deadline behind them, expectations are that United will start putting their plans into action.

With the whole of July ahead of us, MEN Sport has taken a look at what could constitute a brilliant transfer window for the Reds.

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Sancho out, Zirkzee in

With Ten Hag now confirmed to be staying at Old Trafford, the obvious next step is to sort out a permanent transfer for Jadon Sancho. The relationship between the two men appears to be at an all-time low and there seems to be no expectation of reconciliation.

The problem is that United could struggle to gain the £40m they would require to sell him permanently. But if they did, that money can be used to purchase Bologna's striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutchman has a £33m release clause but MEN Sport understands agent commission could see that figure rise significantly. If they could sell Sancho and bring Zirkzee in, it would be a dream swap for United.

Fernandes stays

He may have his critics but it is hard to argue against the pure talent which Bruno Fernandes possesses. Handing him the captain's armband appears to have been a masterstroke from Ten Hag considering how both the Portuguese and Harry Maguire have performed since.

The threat of the Saudi Pro League swooping in for Fernandes will be nagging at the back of United minds this summer so ensuring the midfielder stays will be a huge positive. Organising a new deal for the captain is understood to be on the Reds' radar post-summer transfer window.

Everton talked down on Branthwaite

United clearly hold an interest in Jarrad Branthwaite but after a bid of £43m was rejected by the Toffees, hopes of getting a deal done for the Englishman appear to be in tatters. However, nobody knows at this stage where Branthwaite's head is at regarding next season.

The 22-year-old may be eager for a move to United which could lead to Everton being talked down from their hefty £70m asking price to a more manageable £50m. If Ratcliffe could pull that off, it would be a sensational bit of transfer business.

De Ligt signs

Adding to the centre-back options this summer could be Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt. It is understood the Reds are in talks with the Dutchman who is valued at £42m by the Bavarian club.

MEN Sport understands United want to add two centre-backs to their squad this summer and De Ligt could prove to be another smart acquisition to bolster the defence. He will have a point to prove at Old Trafford which should only benefit Ten Hag's team.