Man Utd star labelled 'brilliant' by Erik ten Hag on brink of being sold for just £8.5m

Villarreal are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to sign Manchester United’s defender Willy Kambwala for a fee of around £8.5million.

The former French youth international has made 10 appearances for United’s first team since his transfer from Sochaux in 2020.

Despite his contract at Old Trafford running until summer 2025, and United’s attempts to extend it, the 19-year-old is believed to have declined an offer to extend his stay.

Now, Spanish club Villarreal appear poised to swoop in as talks are at an advanced stage between the two clubs over a deal that could also include a sell-on clause for United – according to the 0.

The young player made his debut for United in December 2023 in a 2-0 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium. He was then thrust back into the first team in April during a defensive crisis, where he shone in a 2-2 draw against rivals Liverpool.

He won 100 per cent of his duels and quickly won over the support of United supporters. And Ten Hag was also full of praise for the youngster following the final whistle.

He told BBC Sport: “[Kambwala] has been training a while with us and progressing well. The next generation need to step in and he is doing brilliant. The challenge for him is doing it consistently. Great opportunity for him. We have other options, like bringing Casemiro in at centre-half, but today he deserved it and he showed it on the pitch.”

However, with United planning to sign at least two centre-backs this summer, it’s clear Kambwala will be short of game-time in the future.

The Red Devils have already failed in two bids for top target Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, but they saw an offer accepted for Lille’s Yeny Loro. However, he is holding out for Real Madrid though and their attention has since turned to to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.

Talks are progressing between United and Bayern, and the Dutchman wants to link-up with compatriot Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford following their country’s Euro 2024 exit to England.

United are continuing their efforts to move players on in a bid to raise extra cash. However, one player who is no longer definite to depart is Jadon Sancho. Sancho was frozen out at United last season after his public bust-up with Ten Hag before he was eventually loaned back to Borussia Dortmund.

Sanco and Ten Hag are believed to have held talks at Carrington earlier this week after reporting back for pre-season, agreeing to move forward after last season’s drama.

Sancho is now back in pre-season training and United could keep hold of the English winger.