'Superb' free agent Manchester United and West Ham wanted to sign has just found a new club, amid reports
Today at 01:45 PM
Manchester United and West Ham were both looking at a free agent – despite busy summers of recruitment at Old Trafford and the London Stadium.
The Red Devils spent heavily to sign Leny Yoro in a £52m deal, while also paying £43m for Matthijs de Ligt and £36.5m for Joshua Zirkzee, along with £42m for Manuel Ugarte and £17m for Noussair Mazraoui.
In regards to West Ham, Tim Steidten – Director of Football – oversaw ten new arrivals, with the £40m Max Kilman the headline signing, although results have not been great for either side.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 11 | B’mouthBournemouth | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 8 |
| 12 | BrentfordBrentford | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 7 |
| 13 | Man UtdManchester United | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 7 |
| 14 | West HamWest Ham | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 5 |
| 15 | IpswichIpswich | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 4 |
Despite these additions, both Manchester United and West Ham were looking at Oumar Solet after his departure from RB Salzburg – although that option is no longer on the table.
Manchester United and West Ham dealt blow as Oumar Solet joins Udinese
Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag and Julen Lopetegui, the Frenchman has now sealed a free transfer to Udinese.
It was RMC Sport who claimed that Manchester United wanted to sign Solet to enhance their depth in central defence.
In regards to the Hammers, sources actually informed TBR Football that West Ham were targeting Solet.
The towering central defender – who journalist Zach Lowy called “superb” when it comes to marking attackers – is also capable of stepping into defensive midfield, so Manchester United and West Ham have missed out on a versatile player.
Tim Steidten could still deliver a free agent for Julen Lopetegui
It remains to be seen what happens at Old Trafford in terms of exploring other free agents.
As things stand, the main topic of conversation is in regards to Ten Hag, who Manchester United could soon replace with Gareth Southgate – sources have told TBR Football.
Putting that aside for a moment, West Ham have an alternative to Solet as Steidten attempts to deal with the departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, with the player in question still unemployed.
TBR Football understand West Ham have spoken to Joel Matip after he left Liverpool at the end of last season.
Therefore, the update on Solet does not necessarily mean that no other free agent will arrive at West Ham in the near future.
