Man Utd in 'advanced talks' with INEOS primed to complete another transfer in coming days

Panathinaikos are advancing talks with Manchester United over the permanent signing of out-of-favour winger Facundo Pellistri, according to reports. Pellistri has slipped down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order and is expected to be among the players to leave Old Trafford before the August 30 deadline.

The 22-year-old was absent from United’s matchday squad when they started their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory against Fulham on Friday.

A week earlier, he was deployed as an emergency right-back off the bench in the Red Devils’ Community Shield clash against Manchester City.

But Pellistri was partly at fault for Bernardo Silva’s late equaliser, getting beaten in the air at the back post before City won 7-6 on penalties at Wembley.

He didn’t take a spot-kick in the shoot-out and may have played his final minutes as a United player, with a departure beckoning.

According to The Athletic, Panathinaikos have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Pellistri, who would sign a four-year contract with the Greek giants.

The Greens are now said to be progressing negotiations over a transfer fee with United, who would prefer a sale than another loan.

Pellistri has entered the final year of his current deal, and United reportedly want a fee in the region of £8.5million to part ways.

The report adds that several clubs are interested in a loan, but the Red Devils want to cash in rather than sanction a fourth temporary exit since his 2020 arrival.

After arriving in M16 for around £9m four years ago, Pellistri has had two loan spells at Alaves and most recently joined Granada for the second half of last season.

However, he scored just two goals in 15 games as the club suffered La Liga relegation, and Ten Hag has multiple preferred wing options.

Marcus Rashford, Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho appear to be ahead in the queue for minutes.

Pellistri has made 24 senior appearances for United since his switch from Penarol, including 14 last term. However, his sole Premier League start came in a 1-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace in September.

Ahead of his loan move to Granada in January, his agent, Edgardo Lasalvi, aimed fire at Ten Hag for Pellistri’s treatment under his watch.

He told Sport 890: “Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows.

“If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional.”