Man Utd were 'hours' away from losing transfer target to Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp chat
Manchester United are set to enter contract talks with Hannibal Mejbri amid continued interest in his signature, according to reports. Hannibal has enjoyed a breakthrough under Erik ten Hag in recent weeks, but the expiry date on his current deal is looming ever larger, and he isn’t short on suitors.
Reports earlier this month claimed that United were weighing up discussions over a new contract with the 20-year-old midfielder.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, United plan to offer Hannibal fresh terms to extend his Old Trafford stay beyond 2025.
Hannibal’s current deal runs until next summer. The Red Devils have the option to extend it by a further year but would prefer a longer-term fix.
The report adds that Hannibal is open to entering negotiations over a new contract later this year but is, for now, focused on his performances.
La Liga outfit Sevilla allegedly continue to monitor the Tunisia international’s development after wanting to lure him to Spain during the summer.
Ten Hag opted against sanctioning Hannibal’s summer exit after a successful loan stint at Birmingham City last season, and he netted his maiden United goal in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
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The Dutchman then handed the No 46 his first start of the season in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Burnley, praising his impact after full-time at Turf Moor.
“We brought some energy in the team,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports after his side ended their three-match losing streak.
“The pressing of Rasmus Hojlund and Hannibal, the togetherness, how they start the moments of the pressing, the timing was very good. The togetherness with Bruno and Rashy was very good.
“We controlled the game in that spell because they started the pressing so well, and once they were beaten, there was a recovery, and Hannibal did that very good.”
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Ten Hag wasn’t wrong. Hannibal covered 12.9km against Burnley, more ground than any other player on the pitch. In fact, it was more ground than any United player since such records began in 2019.
Hannibal retained his starting status against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup third round, impressing again to play a part in United’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
He is destined for a positive season now that Ten Hag views him as a genuine first-team option to challenge for places.
And further rewards are expected down the line if he can strike an agreement with the club over his new contract.
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