Manchester United are reportedly set to return with an improved offer for Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Sky Sports have revealed that Manchester United are not deterred in their pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Their initial bid of £40 million was swiftly knocked back by Crystal Palace. But, the Red Devils are set to return with an improved offer for the English defender.
While Crystal Palace are reportedly holding out for £60 million to part ways with Wan-Bissaka, several outlets suggest that Manchester United will lodge an increased offer of £50 million, which although not equal to the asking price, is a middle ground that the club will hope to agree a deal at.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has emerged as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, at least for the 2018-19 campaign, wherein the defender produced exhilarating performances on a consistent basis. The ability to drive with the ball and his tackling ability has seen him being revered by pundits and experts alike.
Wan Bissaka 18/19
35 Appearances
3,134 Minutes Played
84 Interceptions
129 Tackles
129 Clearances
66% Duels Won
61 Dribbles Completed
4 Big Chances Created
3 Assists pic.twitter.com/Fuy4peipas— Mason (@Utd_Mas) June 8, 2019
While his direct contribution to Palace’s attack is not impressive, his statistics are more than enough to overlook it. A proper right-back that can defend and attack, Manchester United’s interest seems justified.
The Red Devils have only Diogo Dalot as a natural right-back option. The Portuguese might need a bit more time to settle down and could also be an option for the right wing, wherein he has been deployed more than once by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far.
While Ashley Young ended the season as the first-choice right-back, his performances were enough to convince fans and pundits that the veteran is just ‘not good enough’ to start week-in week-out for Manchester United in the back four. A right-back has been a priority for Manchester United in the present window and it seems Solskjaer has identified Wan-Bissaka as the one.
Despite the £40 million bid being knocked back by Crystal Palace, Manchester United want to close out a deal for the English defender before other clubs enter the fray and are thus, ready to move in with an improved offer. Should United submit the reported £50 million bid, it will be interesting to see if Palace are willing to budge from their asking price.
For now, it seems Manchester United are prepared to go gung-ho in their pursuit of Wan-Bissaka, who, judging by his performances in the 2018-19 season, looks like an ideal right-back for a United side that want to press high, play out and on the counter.
