Manchester United interested in Turkish defender
Manchester United have work to do if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad on Thursday.Â
The Red Devils took the lead in their last 16 first leg tie in San Sebastien through striker Joshua Zirkzee, before Mikel Oyarzabal drew the hosts level from the penalty spot.
Neither side were able to find a winner, meaning the tie will be decided in the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
United have endured a dismal campaign so far, although they do remain in contention to win the Europa League for the first time since 2017.
Head coach Ruben Amorim will likely want to bolster his squad during this summer’s transfer window, and it appears that he has his sights set on a young defender.
As per CaughtOffside, the Red Devils are keeping tabs on Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek, 19.
The teenage centre-back made his senior debut for Fenerbahce last season, having graduated from the Istanbul club’s youth academy.
Akcicek is now managed by former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
He has forced his way into Jose Mourinho’s squad this term, playing 14 times across all competitions including six times in the Europa League.
It is claimed that United scouts have watched the youngster in action and have been very impressed with his performances, prompting those in charge of the club to consider a move for the player.
Fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton and Hove Albion have also all shown interest in the defender and could rival United for his signature.
Several top European sides, including Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Ajax, Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also all said to be monitoring the player.
Akcicek’s current contract with Fenerbahce is set to run until 2028, which would put the Turkish giants in a relatively commanding position during potential negotiations for the player.
