Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Axel Witsel, a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund who will be a free agent this summer.
Witsel, 33, has been a staple in Dortmund's lineup since coming from TJ Tianhai in the Chinese Super League in 2018. The Belgian midfielder has appeared in 145 games for BvB, scoring five goals and assisting on another five.
His four-year time at Signal Iduna Park, though, will come to an end this summer when his contract expires. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, according to German outlet DerWesten, have entered the race for the midfielder.
This summer, new manager Erik ten Hag is expected to supervise a massive revamp of the United squad, with numerous arrivals and departures expected.
Ten Hag might have a transfer war fund of roughly £200 million, according to the Mirror, with crucial sections of the team in need of replenishing. Because Witsel is available on a free transfer, the Dutch coach will be able to pursue more expensive players.
In the meantime, Tottenham's season is coming to a close, with a top-four finish on the cards. This might result in a slew of newcomers to the north London side this summer. Spurs are two points ahead of Arsenal in fifth position with one game remaining.
Apart from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, Witsel is also being monitored by Juventus and Galatasaray.
Why would Axel Witsel be desired by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur?
Following the upcoming departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, Manchester United are in desperate need of midfield options. They've needed a defensive midfielder for a long time, but nothing has materialised.
As a free agent, Witsel would be an appealing choice for Ten Hag, allowing him to replenish other crucial aspects of his team. The Red Devils are interested in RB Leipzig winger Christopher Nkunku, according to Florian Plettenberg of the Frankfurter Rundschau.
They're also interested in Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, according to Express, who claims United have already made a £67 million approach for him. Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, have Pierre-Emile Hojberg as a defensive midfielder.
Given that his Tottenham Hotspur side is expected to play in the UEFA Champions League next season, manager Antonio Conte may search for extra midfield options. Conte would get an experienced midfielder and add depth to his team by attracting Witsel to north London on a free transfer.
It remains to be seen whether either of the Premier League clubs' interest in Witsel materialises, but he is a tempting option for both.
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