Man Utd hold ‘positive talks’ with Man City academy product as Pep Guardiola ‘targets’ World Cup winner

Manchester United are said to be back in for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong after previously being linked with the defender last year. Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg has revealed that ‘very positive’ talks have been held between the club and Frimpong’s agent.

The Red Devils were rumoured to be close to signing Frimpong last summer and Football Insider went onto claim that they were looking to snap him up ahead of the summer transfer window and it now looks like negotiations are well underway. Plettenberg has reported that Erik Ten Hag ‘admires’ the full-back, who is open to leaving Leverkusen this summer.

Frimpong is no stranger to Manchester, having joined Manchester City’s academy at nine years old. The Dutchman spent nine years at the Etihad Stadium but failed to make a senior appearance and later joined Celtic. After winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup, Leverkusen lured Frimpong to Germany for around £11.5 million.

The 22-year-old has become a regular under Xabi Alonso and has contributed an impressive 14 goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season. Frimpong has certainly outperformed both Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this season and could be a great addition to the squad, though United will have to pay significantly more than what Leverkusen paid two years ago.

Meanwhile, Man City are looking to snap up their own defender after an arguably underwhelming campaign for their backline. The defending Premier League champions are one of a number of clubs eyeing a move for Benjamin Pavard, according to 90min.

Pavard was thrust into the limelight when he netted an exceptional half-volley against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup and he was snapped up by Bayern Munich for around £31m shortly after. However, the defender has tough competition for his place in the starting line-up and his future at the Allianz Arena looks uncertain.

The report also claims that United have expressed interest in Pavard, while Real Madrid are also keen on a move. However, the arrival of Thomas Tuchel may persuade him to stay in Munich, with the German boss claiming Pavard is ‘underrated’.