Manchester United are reported to be eyeing a January move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, Sky Germany claimed last month.
Now it appears a move won’t be straightforward, with Premier League rivals Chelsea claimed to be taking an interest.
Football Transfers report Frimpong, 21, has caught Chelsea’s eye as they look for a back-up for Reece James, who is currently out injured.
United want Frimpong to compete with Diogo Dalot, who has started every single game this season, a situation which is not sustainable heading into 2023, despite his outstanding form.
Frimpong has struck an impressive five goals in 12 Bundesliga games from right-back this campaign.
Do United want to get into a bidding war
Manchester United did not sign a single player in the January transfer window in 2022, and while this was related to not having a permanent manager in place, there is reported to be a reluctance to spend big in January 2023.
The Athletic report United felt they overspent in terms of budget this past summer, and would rather save funds for summer 2023.
Erik ten Hag is nonetheless keen to strengthen the squad, he will just have to work with somewhat limited finances in January.
What doesn’t work, is a potential bidding war. If Chelsea continue their aggressive market approach under new owner Todd Boehly, and make an early play for Frimpong, United will be reluctant to get involved in an auction – and will likely walk away.
German channel Sport1 reported Frimpong to be valued at around £25 million earlier this year. United won’t want to go far beyond that.
Frimpong now in Europa League
One other potential complication in a Manchester United move for Jeremie Frimpong is the German side qualifying for the Europa League last night.
Leverkusen began the night in fourth place and were expected to head out of Europe entirely. But they managed to claim a draw with Club Brugge, while Atletico Madrid’s collapse against Porto saw Diego Simeone’s side crash out in fourth place.
This is one extra reason for United to get the job done against Real Sociedad this week, rather than finish in second place and face a Champions League drop-down team in an extra knockout tie.
If United are handed a knockout tie with Bayer Leverkusen, then a January move for Frimpong suddenly looks even less likely.
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