Newcastle are now beating Man United in the race to sign £43m player

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Newcastle United and Manchester United are going head to head in the race to sign Axel Disasi, but it is the Magpies who might actually have an advantage.

There have been plenty of reports surrounding Disasi moving to St James’ Park, although there has been nothing concrete in the British press about the Frenchman arriving.

However, it has been claimed that Newcastle have made an offer to the 25-year-old defender, who is also a target for the Red Devils.

Man United are also looking to sign a new centre-back, and it looks like Disasi is a player who is tempting both Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe.

Usually, you would expect Man United to have the advantage. However, a new report from Sky Germany suggests that might not be the case in this instance.

Newcastle target Axel Disasi could cost £43million

According to Sky Germany, Newcastle and Man United are challenging each other to sign Disasi from Monaco this summer. The report adds that he could cost between £39million and £43million.

That would make him an expensive addition. In fact, it would make him the most expensive defender in Newcastle’s history. That record currently belongs to Sven Botman, who arrived for £35million last year.

In contrast, it is about half the amount Man United have previously spent on a central defender. They bought Harry Maguire for £80million four years ago, after all.

That move has proven to be a disaster, and he is now expected to leave after being removed as captain ahead of the new season.

And it is actually Maguire who could have an impact on who wins the race to sign Disasi.

Manchester United must sell first

Sky Germany add that the Magpies are leading the race to sign Disasi. That is because Ten Hag’s side must sell before they buy. They add that Maguire is a ‘hot candidate’ to leave.

That is what Man United want to happen, but getting rid of Maguire is proving to be difficult. They want too much money for him, while his wages are astronomical.

They have already rejected a loan approach from West Ham, and could struggle to move the England international on.

That means the door could be left wide open for Newcastle to sign Disasi, giving Howe the right-sided centre-back he is looking for.