Manchester United could sell three young players this week or next, with Toby Collyer, Harry Amass, and Ethan Wheatley all linked with moves away before the September 1 transfer deadline.
United eye academy sales
United believe they can secure a substantial sum for Collyer as INEOS look to cash in on several young players. Collyer is one of those who could leave imminently, though there remains a chance he could stay at Old Trafford due to the increased fixture demands across multiple competitions this season.
United want to make more use of their academy to keep their cashflow strong. Earlier this month, Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek, 22, joined Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £14million, including add-ons, a buy-back clause and a 35 per cent sell-on.
Amass and Wheatley could depart
Harry Amass, who caught the eye on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, could also leave before the window closes, with indications he may be available for around £6m. United are understood not to regard Amass as ready for senior football. The 19-year-old impressed at Wednesday before moving to Norwich City on loan for the second half of the campaign, and another temporary stint remains on the cards should a permanent transfer fail to materialise.
There are also a number of young prospects who could depart either on loan or permanently this week or next. Among them is striker Ethan Wheatley, who is in discussions with Everton, according to the Daily Mail. The 20-year-old had stints with both Northampton Town and Bradford City last season.
Collyer expected to leave
United believe Collyer could follow a comparable path to Radek Vitek, and the Mail add that the club have stepped up their efforts to capitalise on their academy and could 'command a sizeable fee' for the 22-year-old midfielder. Despite the possibility he could profit from United's expanded fixture calendar following their qualification for the Champions League, a move away remains under consideration.
Express Sport understands Collyer is still expected to be sold before the window shuts, with United willing to part ways with multiple academy products. He has appeared throughout pre-season, owing to doubts about Mason Mount's fitness, but the plan remains for him to leave.
Interest and transfer activity
Collyer's emergence occurred under Ruben Amorim during an injury-ravaged period, and Hull City, where he spent the latter half of last season on loan, remain interested. This season, Michael Carrick faces the task of competing across four competitions, heightening the pressure on squad depth.
United are still pursuing additions at left-back and in attack - alongside potentially another midfielder. Thus far, the Red Devils have secured just three senior signings. Andrey Santos was the first arrival, joining from Chelsea for £50m. Karl Darlow arrived subsequently on a free transfer following the expiry of his Leeds United contract. Youri Tielemans was next, finalising his switch from Aston Villa.
