Man Utd information: Transfer battle with Liverpool for £87m ace ‘most gifted since Erling Haaland’
Manchester United scouts reportedly watched a Liverpool transfer target who could cost a whopping £87m while another star looks set to move this summer
Time is running out for Michael Carrick to welcome any new signings at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick may use this weekend to reflect on his first loss as interim Manchester United manager.
The Premier League pauses due to the FA Cup fifth round and United have already been knocked out of the competition. Their nightmare results under previous manager Ruben Amorim and caretaker boss Darren Fletcher means the Red Devils cannot lift silverware this season.
But Carrick could still achieve what was unthinkable when he took over at the club by finishing in the top four or five and qualifying for next season’s Champions League, regardless of a hugely disappointing 2-1 loss away against 10-man Newcastle on Wednesday. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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United scout ‘most gifted since Haaland’
United have allegedly dispatched scouts to monitor one of Europe’s most promising young prospects.
Yan Diomande, who can function on either flank in attack, has thrived since switching to RB Leipzig from Leganes, of Spain’s second division, in a £17million transfer last summer, reports the Mirror.
Thus far, the 19 year old Ivorian has notched 10 goals and seven assists in merely 26 outings. According to Fabrizio Romano, United deployed “several scouts” to observe Diomande in January, who is now said to have a price tag of £87m.
While they are hardly the sole interested club, they might possess an edge given the club’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, formerly operated for Red Bull-owned outfits Salzburg and Leipzig.
One individual within the Red Bull football group has even likened Diomande to a legendary former Salzburg striker, telling Flashscore he is “the most gifted player within our system since Erling Haaland”.
Leipzig are aiming to retain the young talent for more than a single season, with club boss, Marcel Schafer, stating to Kicker in January: “It is our aim to keep players with us for longer than just one year, because otherwise you don’t achieve any continuity.”
However, a substantial summer bid from United might be too tempting to resist – despite competition from the likes of bitter rivals Liverpool for his signature.
Manager addresses transfer speculation
Altay Bayindir could be returning to Turkey this summer. The goalkeeper was briefly given an opportunity under Ruben Amorim at the start of the season following Andre Onana’s well-publicised difficulties.
However, the Turkish stopper failed to impress before being relegated behind new recruit Senne Lammens in the hierarchy. According to Ajanspor, the ex-Fenerbahce keeper is sought after by Besiktas.
This report was recently presented to Black Eagles manager Sergen Yalcin, who didn’t deny his interest in the 27-year-old.
He said: “This is not the time to answer these questions. We play cups, leagues. We will talk about these issues when the transfer window comes.”
Besiktas are on the hunt for a goalkeeper following the recent exit of Mert Gunok to Fenerbahce.
