Man Utd in ‘advanced’ talks with Real Madrid target; Ronaldo’s ‘ally’ is backup option for Ancelotti
Man Utd are reportedly in ‘fairly advanced’ talks with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, who is also being targeted by Real Madrid.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with right-backs over the past year. Erik ten Hag likes to have two capable full-backs to choose from on either flank.
At left-back, he has Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and at right-back, he has Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka fighting for starts.
Dalot was one of United’s best players during the first half of this campaign, while Wan-Bissaka was left down the pecking order.
But Wan-Bissaka has come good for Man Utd in recent months and he is now recognised as one of the most-improved players in the Premier League this season.
Despite this, Frimpong is among United’s right-back targets. The former Man City academy product has been with Bayer Leverkusen since 2021.
The 22-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this term as he has grabbed eight goals and six assists for Bayer Leverkusen.
SportBILD (via Sport Witness) are now reporting that Frimpong is ‘already in fairly advanced talks’ with Man Utd.
Frimpong is also admired by Real Madrid but he is ‘basically drawn to England rather than Spain’.
Real Madrid are reportedly ‘aware’ of Frimpong’s stance, so they are also considering moves for Villarreal’s Juan Foyth and United’s Dalot.
The Portugal international’s contract is due to expire in 2024. With him reportedly being one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s main ‘allies’, it has been claimed in recent months that he could follow the forward out of Man Utd.
Ten Hag recently insisted that there is not much between Dalot and Wan-Bissaka.
“I think it’s really close, the competition between them,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“Maybe Aaron gives you a little bit more defending, Diogo gives you maybe a little more offence.
“But I have to say I think they both have made progress in both areas, so it’s really close.”
PSG’s Achraf Hakimi is also being linked with a move to Man Utd. Caught Offside journalist Johnathan Johnson thinks PSG will consider selling the defender if a ‘serious offer’ comes in.
“In terms of the player and his role in PSG’s squad for what he brings on the pitch, the Morocco international certainly wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of any list of players the club look to offload as part of a reshuffle of their squad this summer,” Johnson said.
“Then again, it’s also worth bearing in mind that there aren’t too many other players in this PSG squad at this moment in time who would command the kind of transfer fee that Hakimi could, especially if he were to move to a Premier League club.
“Gianluigi Donnarumma is probably the only other one who’d attract a substantial bid, but he hasn’t had the best of seasons.
“If a serious offer came in for Hakimi, it might be something PSG have to think about.”
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