Manchester United are preparing to face Leeds United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday (February 8). Erik ten Hag’s men are third in the league after 21 games.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in Youri Tielemans, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. On the other hand, the Italian coach Gianluca Atzori has advised Napoli not to release Victor Osimhen this summer.
Along those lines, here’s a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories on February 6, 2023:
Manchester United eyes Youri Tielemans
Manchester United could sign Youri Tielemans at the end of the season, according to Ben Jacobs. The Belgian midfielder’s contract with Leicester City ends this summer. The Foxes have yet to tie him to a new contract, and the 25-year-old is expected to walk away for free this year.
The Red Devils likely have a busy summer ahead of them, and Tielemans could be among the players they are targeting. Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs said Erik ten Hag’s presence at Old Trafford could convince Tielemans to move.
“I think Tielemans was not too convinced of Manchester United with the previous managers. But with Erik ten Hag turning things around, if Manchester United do qualify for the Champions League, that could be a real option for them,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs added that Arsenal is also close on the Belgian’s heels.
“If they lose a midfielder, they may feel like a box-to-box midfielder or an attacking midfielder, like Youri Tielemans, he could be the type of player who not only balances the scores a bit, but can also contribute some goals. . and help add some control in central midfield. Manchester United and Arsenal are still two to watch,” Jacobs said.
Tielemans has recorded four goals and one assist in 27 games in all competitions this season for Leicester.
Napoli urged not to get rid of Victor Osimhen
Gianluca Atzori believes that Napoli should never let Victor Osimhen go. The Nigerian striker is a target for Ten Hag this year, and the Dutch manager is keen to bring in a new number 9 to lead the line. Osimhen has been in top form for the Serie A leaders this season.
Victor Osimhen has been unstoppable this season 😤 https://t.co/IOOSbCgGa6
Speaking recently to Napoli Magazine, quoted by Soccer Net, Atzori said that Napoli would have a hard time replacing the Nigerian.
“I would never let Osimhen go, although in today’s football no one is non-transferable. The cycle can be opened, as long as the good players integrate with the best of the squad. So if Napoli is good enough to let Osimhen go and sign a better striker, hats off. But it’s not that easy,” Atzori said.
Osimhen has racked up 17 goals and four assists in 21 intercompetition games this season for the Serie A outfit.
The Red Devils keep an eye on Yannick Carrasco
Manchester United is closely following Yannick Carrasco, according to AS via Sport Witness.
The Belgian striker exceeds Atlético Madrid’s requirements and is likely to be dropped at the end of the season. The 29-year-old’s contract with Los Rojiblancocs ends next summer, but the club wants to see his back this year.
Barcelona are the favorites to pick up Carrasco and reportedly already have a €20m deal for the player. However, if they decide not to go through with the option, the Red Devils could pounce on the Belgian.
Ten Hag has a lot of options on offense, so a move to Carrasco definitely makes little sense. However, any spending this summer could lead the club to sign for Carrasco.