Kieran Trippier has revealed that he “had conversations” with Manchester United in the summer about a potential transfer.
The Reds were very strongly linked with signing right-back Trippier in the summer window, with The Telegraph reporting the player was keen on the move.
But the Red Devils and our Champions League last-16 opponents Atletico Madrid couldn’t come to an agreement, and after signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, United weren’t willing to pay Trippier’s £30m release clause.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer no longer at the wheel, United passed up the opportunity of reigniting our interest in the England international this month.
Instead the 31-year-old, who supported United as a boy, has moved back to the Premier League with the newly-rich Newcastle United in a £13m deal (The Athletic).
But the former Tottenham man has revealed how close he came to joining United in an interview with Alan Shearer, via The Athletic.
Trippier said: “After the Euros, there was really strong interest.
“I’ve got to be careful what I say because I don’t want to get into trouble, but yeah, there was interest.
“We had conversations, but Atletico Madrid just wanted my release clause and it was a lot of money for a 30-year-old, so I understand why Man United didn’t do that. There were other clubs interested…
“Anyway, it’s gone now, so it doesn’t bother me.”
Dalot emergence eases Kieran Trippier blow
There is no denying Trippier and a holding midfielder would have capped off an unbelievable summer of transfer business by Manchester United.
But signing Trippier would have resulted in Diogo Dalot likely going out on a season-long loan.
Since Ralf Rangnick took over as interim boss, Dalot’s fortunes at Old Trafford have completely transformed.
Seemingly out-of-favour under Solskjaer no matter how poorly Aaron Wan-Bissaka played, the Portuguese international has grasped his opportunity under the German.
And with Ethan Laird likely to come into first team consideration, the competition for the right-back spot is only going to intensify.
Trippier’s crossing ability and experience at both club and international level would have undoubtedly benefitted United.
If the Norwegian was still in charge he would have probably targeted Trippier again in the January transfer window, but with us facing Diego Simeone’s side in the Champions League, the La Liga champions may not have entertained offers.
It’s testament to Dalot that more hasn’t been made of United missing out on Tripper, especially for such a low fee, but the young Portuguese looks to be the man in command of the right-back spot, following a string of impressive displays.
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