Erik ten Hag adds Youri Tielemans to Manchester United's transfer wishlist.
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are once again thought to be exploring a move for Leicester's Youri Tielemans, after making a breakthrough in their efforts to sign Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United's interest in Leicester's Youri Tielemans has reportedly been revived by Erik ten Hag, who is still looking for midfield reinforcements.
Prior to Ten Hag's appointment, the Red Devils had been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian, who has only one year left on his current Foxes contract. However, since the arrival of the Dutchman, United have focused all of their efforts on securing a deal for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
Following the news that United have finally agreed on an upfront fee of £56 million, Ten Hag is thought to have begun turning his attentions to other potential additions this summer, including a second midfield arrival. Despite the fact that United appear to have cooled their interest in Tielemans, a move for the 25-year-old appears to be back on the table.
According to The Times, the Red Devils have put the Leicester midfielder back on their list of summer transfer targets, with Ten Hag considering the Foxes creator to be 'of interest.' It remains to be seen how determined the Dutchman is to sign Tielemans this summer, and the player's contract situation may influence the timeline for a potential approach.
The former Monaco man has made no secret of his desire to leave the King Power Stadium in the near future to pursue a new challenge, with Champions League football being a key goal. Tielemans is said to be unwilling to sign a new contract with Leicester, who are well aware of the possibility of losing one of their prized assets on a free transfer next summer.
Given the player's precarious contract situation at Leicester, it is thought United, like fellow admirers Arsenal, may postpone a move for the midfielder until later in the window in order to prioritise completing more pressing deals for other targets. Tielemans was heavily linked with a summer transfer before the window opened, but speculation has since died down.
While United has concentrated their efforts on completing a deal for De Jong, Arsenal has concentrated their efforts on other key targets, namely Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus. Tottenham, the Gunners' bitter north London rivals, were also said to be interested.
Spurs have since signed Yves Bissouma from Brighton for £25 million, the same fee Tielemans is expected to be available for this summer. When asked about his future last month, the player hinted that a move away from the King Power Stadium was possible.
"That is not ruled out," Tielemans admitted. "I'm very happy in Leicester; I was welcomed with open arms from the start." I give my all to the club until the very end.
"Of course, you have to listen to other opportunities, consider your career, and sometimes make decisions." Perhaps one will come my way."
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers appeared resigned to losing the midfielder this summer in January. "For a player, it's about ambition, challenge, and sometimes a different environment," he explained. He (Tielemans) is at an age and stage in his contract where he must consider all options. I would naturally prefer to be here at Leicester City, but I also recognize that my career is limited."
Following the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic earlier in the transfer window, United manager Ten Hag is thought to be looking for a number of midfielders. Christian Eriksen is another player under consideration at Old Trafford.
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