Manchester United have been handed a boost in a potential pursuit of Marcus Thuram.
Reports via Sport Mediaset indicate that Borussia Monchengladbach’s Premier League-linked France international has rejected a move to Inter Milan.
The difference Antony Martial made to Erik ten Hag’s world-weary frontline was clear for all to see at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon; his long-awaited return a rare ray of light in an otherwise charcoal-grey sky.
The only problem is – and it’s a rather big problem – Martial is never more than a rolled ankle or a muscle twinge away from another couple of weeks stuck on the treatment table.
With all due respect to Wout ‘the workhorse’ Weghorst, a centre-forward of Martial’s skill and finesse could take Man United’s inconsistent attack to another level. And Thuram, another French speaker who loves to drift in from the left-hand side, could be an ideal replacement if Ten Hag opts to remove the injury-prone Martial from an eye-watering wage bill.
Manchester United reportedly like Bundesliga ace Marcus Thuram
Manchester United, SportBILD reported around the turn of the year, have former Guingamp youngster Thuram on an extensive list of attacking targets.
A free-agent in July, the stylish 25-year-old could arrive on the cheap while saving up funds for a more expensive, high-profile addition such as a Harry Kane, a Victor Osimhen or a Goncalo Ramos.
Inter Milan, Calciomercato say, have been tracking Thuram since before the Qatar World Cup. The Nerazzuri were willing to offer him a £170,000-a-week deal at the San Siro. But it is Thuram’s desire to play Premier League football. As such, the son of Les Bleus legend Lillian has made it clear that Milan will not be his destination.
At least, that is according to Sport Mediaset reporter Marco Barzaghi.
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Thuram, labelled ‘world-class’ by one Bundesliga director, has 15 goals and four assists this season for Daniel Farke’s inconsistent Monchengladbach side. Die Fohlen are already in the process of identifying replacements too.
“We’ve decided to allow Thuram to leave,” sporting director Roland Virkus explains.
“The fact that he plans to leave on a free transfer is not a positive situation. I can’t sugarcoat it,” Virkus adds.
“We stretched ourselves with Marcus Thuram. We have to accept that there are bigger clubs Marcus might move to.”
Newcastle, say The Athletic, are keen on both Thuram and his younger brother Khephren, a rangy, stylish midfielder contracted to Ligue 1 outfit Nice. Following Sunday’s dismal defeat at Tyneside, beating Newcastle to a summer target would at least offer some semblance of revenge.
“He’s having an amazing season. He’s scored a lot of goals,” Gladbach assistant coach Oliver Neuville said a few months back.
“I think it will be difficult for him to stay at Gladbach. If he continues to score so many goals, it’s certain he’ll have many offers from Italy, Spain and England.
“We must also be a little realistic. I hope he will still be here for a long time in Monchengladbach. But now he’s been called up by French for the World Cup, it will be difficult for him to extend.
“I hope (he stays). But the chances are slim.”
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