Manchester United have a ‘long-standing interest’ in Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, according to The Daily Mail.
The Red Devils have already reached an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. He will undergo his medical after the World Cup with Brazil.
United are eyeing more midfield reinforcements, and The Daily Mail highlight that the club are long-term admirers of Switzerland starlet Manzambi.
Newcastle United are currently exploring a deal for the 20-year-old, but negotiations have not progressed as planned amid his World Cup heroics.
The Daily Mail suggest that the Red Devils could pose a threat to the Magpies due to their ‘long-standing interest’ in the highly talented midfielder.
Manzambi speculation could be agent-driven
Newcastle are in the process of pursuing a midfield replacement after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £100 million.
Manzambi, who is currently valued at £43m by Freiburg, has emerged as a possible target.
The Swiss has been a revelation at the ongoing World Cup. He has made five goal contributions, featuring from the right wing and number 10 positions for his country.
Manzambi can also operate in central midfield, which could be a reason behind the Magpies’ interest in signing him as a successor to Tonali this summer.
United have also been mentioned as suitors, but the speculation could be agent-driven as the club have not initiated any contact with Freiburg for the player.
Manzambi had a good season at the German club with 15 goal contributions. He operated as either a central midfielder or a second striker for Freiburg.
He caught the eye with his duel-winning ability and ball recoveries, but struggled with his ball control, losing possession on almost 12 occasions per game.
Manzambi was also guilty of five errors that led to opposition shots. In our view, he does not fit into United’s requirement for a ball-playing midfielder who can control proceedings.
We believe Manzambi’s entourage have their sights set on pursuing a bigger club than Newcastle. The United talk could be driven by them to attract more lucrative offers from elsewhere.
Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore
