The 26-year-old apparently had little future at Old Trafford, having borrowed from Lazio and then Flamengo for the past two seasons – with the Brazilian team making an effort to turn the move into a permanent one.
Pereira is also on the radar of the newly promoted Fulham, who have previously made an offer worth £ 8.6 million which will rise to £ 11 million with additions.
It looks like a big deal for a player who has not appeared for United since June 2020, but Ten Hag does not want to make money yet.
According to ESPN, the Dutch coach is eager to see the midfielder up close in action and has informed Pereira that he wants to assess him during the pre-season.
Ten Hag wants to include the Brazilian in United’s tour of Thailand and Australia next month and feels he is a good stylistic fit for the football he wants to play at Old Trafford.
But Pereira was hugely frustrated with his lack of playing time among several United managers and fully expected to leave the club this summer forever.
Now he will have to decide whether he can get the usual first-team football he longs for under Ten Hag, and whether his career is best served elsewhere.
Flamengo could not compete with Fulham’s bid for Pereira, with the West London club the clear favorites to sign him, although Fenerbahce has also registered an interest but has yet to make a formal offer.
If Ten Hag does decide he wants Pereira as part of his squad, he will have to commit to a new contract with his current deal that expires next summer.
This window represents United’s last chance to make money and Fulham’s £ 11m bid could be too enticing, as Pereira is unlikely to be a rotation option until next season.
United’s top transfer priority is to sign a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the two clubs presumably close to a deal.
Ten Hag is also reportedly keen to bring in a second, more defensive-oriented midfielder – which means opportunities for Pereira could be very limited.
United are also looking for a new right winger, with Ajax star Antony linked with a move, as well as a goal scorer, center and right back, while Ten Hag are trying to revamp a team that is close to ‘ a sixth place in the Premier League last season.
MORE: Erik ten Hag arrives at Carrington early for the start of Manchester United’s pre-season
MORE: Manchester United Rejects Barcelona’s Attempts to Include Harry Maguire in Barter for Frenkie de Jong
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