Manchester United in talks to arrange sixth sale of transfer window

Greek club Panathinaikos are in talks with Manchester United over a potential move for winger Facundo Pellistri.

Pellistri was absent from United's squad for their 1-0 win against Fulham on the opening day of the season and is understood to be wanted by Panathinaikos on a permanent transfer. The 22-year-old's contract with United expires next summer and a departure in this window was always likely, despite the club having the option to extend his deal by another year.

Pellistri spent the second half of last season on loan with Granada, which was his third loan away from United, and he has failed to nail down a starting place at Old Trafford since signing from Penarol in October 2020. United paid £9million to sign Pelistri four years ago and the player's market value has been protected by his performances for Uruguay's national team on the right wing.

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A permanent sale of Pellistri to Panathinaikos would be United's preferred option because of the need to sell more players this summer to generate funds and operate within PSR rules. The transfer window closes on August 30 and United are looking to sign a midfielder before the deadline, with Manuel Ugarte and Sofyan Amrabat still under consideration.

United have sold five players on permanent deals so far this summer. Alvaro Fernandez joined Benfica for €6million plus €3m in potential add-ons, Donny van de Beek moved to Girona for a fee that could rise to €4.5million and Villarreal paid €11.5m for Willy Kambwala. Mason Greenwood was sold to Marseille for €31.6m and Aaron Wan-Bissaka completed a move to West Ham earlier in the week