Manchester United are likely to take a look at the right-back position in the summer. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is in his third season and has taken a big backwards step, now losing his place in the starting XI.
United fans want to see a more attacking right-back in the team, an area Wan-Bissaka has failed to make progress. Manager Ralf Rangnick seemingly agrees too, preferring Diogo Dalot.
Rangnick is reportedly also a fan of Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey, The Mail report, although he would set United back around £40 million.
The MEN reported this week Lamptey is on United’s radar for a summer move, although noted that interest from Tottenham appeared to be more serious.
This however appears to be a miscalculation, with Tottenham pursuing Adama Traore from Wolves instead. Traore as opposed to Lamptey, would take over the right wing-back role in Antonio Conte’s system.
The Times reports Tottenham are ‘closing in’ on a move for Traore for £20 million and a deal is expected to be completed before the deadline. They have backed off Lamptey due to the high asking price.
Door open for United to strike a deal
United would normally fancy chances of beating Tottenham to a deal for a player, but Tottenham have certainty with Antonio Conte right now, which would have given them an advantage if they tried a deal for Lamptey this month.
Instead they seem to have backed away, taking themselves out of the running for a move for the right-back this summer, by moving for Traore instead.
Arsenal have also been linked with Lamptey by Football London, but this seems less likely considering they signed right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer and he has made a good start at The Emirates.
So if Manchester United become serious about Tariq Lamptey this summer, the club are likely to now get a free run at him. It will come down to simple negotiations between the two clubs, whether or not.
Pieces in play
Before United commit to a summer move for Tariq Lamptey, there are a few issues for United to consider. First of all, who will be the club’s next manager, and is the Brighton right-back a player they want?
Then there are factors based around how players perform this season. Can Wan-Bissaka bounce back from being dropped and improve. Could the penny finally drop?
Can Diogo Dalot not only maintain his good form, but play to such a high level between now and the end of the season, that United shelve plans to sign a right-back completely?
Then there is loan star Ethan Laird, who is set to make his debut for Bournemouth shortly and will be looking to show he deserves to be in United’s squad next season. Laird is an attacking right-back who plays in a similar style to Lamptey and could save United millions.
United also have to consider whether Wan-Bissaka is a player the club can get off the books, if desired. These are all factors to weigh up before spending big on Lamptey – but if United want to pay up for him, the coast may be clear.
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