Manchester United have set their transfer stance on midfielder Donny van de Beek amid interest from Leicester City, according to ESPN.
The Netherlands international has entered his third campaign with the Red Devils, but has played just 1855 minutes in all competitions.
He has barely made an impact since the €45 million switch from Ajax and there are now suggestions that he could leave the club as early as January.
The Foxes were linked with a loan move for the Dutchman earlier this month and it was reported that the proposal could include a €15m buy clause.
ESPN now suggest that may not be sufficient as the Red Devils will want some kind of return from the transfer fee paid to Ajax just over two years ago.
Van de Beek’s contract expires in June 2024, but United can extend it for another 12 months.
Van de Beek could be shown the exit door by Man Utd
Van de Beek has endured a tough time since making the move to Old Trafford. He spent the second half of last season on loan with Everton where he was injury-plagued.
Hence, he has yet to find his feet in the Premier League. It was anticipated that could change with a reunion with Ten Hag, but it has hardly been the case thus far.
Ten Hag is reportedly said to be ‘shocked‘ by Van de Beek’s broken confidence and recently made it clear that he must prove his fitness in order to fight for his position.
Even if he recovers from his latest muscle injury, there are no assurances of a starting role, having played just 19 minutes of competitive football so far this campaign.
A move away from the Red Devils could help revive his flagging career. The Foxes are eyeing an initial loan deal, but may need to include a higher buy option to entice United.
Van de Beek could be Youri Tielemans’ successor at Leicester. The Belgian looks on course to leave the east Midlands outfit, having declined a new deal beyond next summer.
United are unlikely to ask Tielemans as a makeweight, considering the hierarchy don’t believe the player has the ‘mobility’ and ‘top speed’ to suit the style of play under Ten Hag.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
