Manchester United made an enquiry for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes, report French newspaper L’Equipe.
PSG have just extended Paredes’ contract to 2024, with the French side triggering an extra option on his deal which was set to expire in 2023.
United’s enquiry is said to have been recent, prior to the extra option being taken up, with Monaco also interested.
There is still a chance PSG could cash in on Paredes this summer, but the French champions’ bargaining power is improved by his slightly longer contract.
Leandro Paredes: What you need to know
Paredes is a defensive midfielder, and any time Manchester United enquire after a player in this position, it is a good development, given that the role requires addressing urgently.
Last season Paredes started only 10 Ligue 1 games for PSG, plus four in the Champions League. He is a player who is expendable to them.
PSG paid £34.7 million to sign Paredes from Zenit St Petersburg in 2019, after missing out on a move for a player Manchester United are currently chasing as a priority.
The Guardian reported in 2019: “The central midfielder was one of the most sought-after players in this window and PSG will be delighted to have secured him on a long-term deal, especially after losing out on Ajax’s Frenkie De Jong.”
This is interesting, and if Manchester United consider the pair to have similar skill sets, then Paredes is on the radar as an alternative, rather than additional option.
Paredes has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at PSG, although he has made 113 appearances for the club. He has 44 international caps for Argentina.
United’s enquiry shows that the club are at least looking at possible alternatives to Frenkie de Jong, to test the waters, in case a deal falls through.
ESPN reported last month that Paredes was a player Juventus were keen on, although this may be less likely now with Paul Pogba set to sign for them.
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