Man Utd in race with Real and Bayern to sign Frimpong for £34m

United battle for Frimpong

Manchester United are keen on signing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, but they will have to act fast.

The defender is wanted by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and he has a £34 million release clause that is valid until the start of Euro 2024.

The Daily Express writes: “The Red Devils will have to move quickly to seal the red-hot Bayer Leverkusen right-back’s signature for a bargain transfer fee.

“Frimpong has played a significant role in an incredible season under Xabi Alonso, with a treble still on the table as the run-in enters full flow.

“His consistent performances have drawn interest from United, Bayern and Real Madrid, who are all said to have made contact.

“It’s claimed that Alonso and Bayer sporting director Simon Rolfes are working to keep his high-flying squad together next season, including Frimpong.”

Pressure builds on Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly finds himself in an increasingly insecure position after John Murtough decided to leave the club.

The Sun reports that Murtough was a key ally of Ten Hag’s, and with the club out of the top four, he is facing more criticism.

The paper writes: “Erik ten Hag has been dealt a major blow with his biggest ally at Old Trafford, football director John Murtough, stepping down.

“Murtough, who has been at Manchester United for 11 years, is the latest victim of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sweeping changes behind the scenes.

“Former chief executive Richard Arnold announced he was stepping down in November of last year after overseeing the incredible money making commercial side of the club.

“It was Murtough and Arnold who went to Amsterdam to interview Ten Hag when they were looking for a successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“The pair were so impressed by the then Ajax manager’s knowledge of United and attention to detail that they were convinced he was the right man.”

Xavi may now stay at Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez could now be given the chance to stay on at Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail.

The Spaniard has turned around the club’s form after previously announcing he would leave at the end of the season, and they are tempted to keep him into next season.

The paper writes: “Barcelona are giving serious consideration to the possibility of keeping Xavi as manager beyond the end of this season after an impressive run of 11 games unbeaten. But his revival roadshow stops off at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night and defeat against Luis Enrique Martinez will change all that.

“It’s Luis Enrique that Barça president Joan Laporta would put in charge if he could pick any coach he wanted. The 53-year-old, who won the treble at Barcelona in 2015, is open to the idea of a return, but not this summer in the middle of his two-year contract in Paris.

“So Barça are actively sounding out alternatives to Xavi, or at least they were until the team’s form improved so much that keeping him in charge went back to being the most viable option.”

United could swoop for Zirkzee

Manchester United could appoint Thiago Motta as their next boss, and the Daily Star believe that could lead to one transfer in particular.

Motta manages Joshua Zirkzee at Bologna, and he could be brought in to play on the wings at Old Trafford.

The paper explains: “Manchester United are set for a summer of transition as the INEOS project swings into full gear.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his minority takeover of the Red Devils earlier this season – but he’s been handed full control of the football side. And Sir Jim could look to replace Erik ten Hag with Bologna’s Thiago Motta.

“The big difference, as far as we can see, comes in attack, particularly in the form of Bologna’s young star Joshua Zirkzee. Motta will most likely want to bring in a player who’s used to his ways, and Zirkzee seems to be the prime candidate.

“The younger winger has been tearing Serie A apart this season and he’s been linked with a move to one of Europe’s clubs. There is also no room for Marcus Rashford in the squad as Alejandro Garnacho continues his transformation into one of the club’s standout stars.”

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