Manchester United risk losing out on defensive target Jerome Boateng, with the Bayern Munich star reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester United transfer target and German international defender Jerome Boateng is in talks over a summer switch to French champions PSG, according to Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, as reported by the Sun.
The 29-year old has been regularly linked with a move to the Old Trafford, with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho understood to be keen on adding an experienced head to his backline. However, any ambitions of bringing the Bayern star to England have now been jeopardized by PSG’s interest in the player.
Boateng joined Bayern from United’s local rivals Manchester City in 2011 and has made over 250 appearances for the club, winning six Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League crown in the process.
The centre-back has represented Germany on 73 occasions and was a key part of Die Mannschaft’s 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph. However, the defender was one of their worst performers this time out, as they crashed out of the quadrennial event in the group stages only.
Despite his forgetful outing in Russia, Boateng’s stock remains high across Europe and PSG are keen on adding him to their ranks. Thomas Tuchel’s side just have three first-choice defenders – Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe. With Silva set to turn 34 very soon, the need of a new defensive leader at the Parc des Princes is palpable.
And Rummenigge has confirmed that Les Parisiens have already begun negotiations with the player’s agents, exploring the possibility of a summer transfer.
Speaking to reporters in Germany, the Bayern chief said: “At the moment there is no direct contact between the clubs. But there is contact between his agents and PSG. We have to wait, if we could find a basis for a transfer.
“Now we have to wait and see whether, at the end of the day, we find a basis on which we can agree on a transfer. We have to find a transfer fee that would be acceptable for both.”
This will definitely come as a big blow for United, who were understood be plotting a swoop for the 29-year old defender. The 20-time English champions are, however, believed to be closing in on the £65 million capture of England’s World Cup star Harry Maguire.
But someone with Boateng’s experience and proven credentials would have been a solid addition to the Red Devils’ backline that didn’t look all that convincing last season and has looked a bit shaky during United’s ongoing pre-season campaign in the US as well.
Boateng still has three years left on his contract with Die Roten, but the German champions are willing to consider a sale, should an offer worth £50 million come in for the centre-half. And as things stand now, PSG clearly have the upper hand over Manchester United and are likely to beat the Premier League giants to the 29-year old’s signature.
