Jose Mourinho is looking for an experienced, top quality defender and Bayern’s Jerome Boateng could be an option, but only for £50 million.
Manchester United’s presence in the market in search of a top quality defender is no secret and have been linked with some high profile targets already. The Sun are now reporting that the Old Trafford side could consider a move for Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng, who is reportedly free to leave the Bundesliga Champions for £50 million.
Jose Mourinho has been complaining all throughout Manchester United’s pre-season tour in the USA about the lack of transfer activity from the club. United are believed to be specifically looking for a central defender and have knocked on many doors to no avail. With the transfer window set to close early this time, their options seem to be fast diminishing.
United appear to have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, and their interest in Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld has also stalled for now. So currently they are left two options to go to in Barcelona’s Yerry Mina, who are reportedly closing in on the move to Everton and Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng.
Boateng was understood to have been wanting to play for another club in search of a new challenge since the end of last season. He reportedly was close to making a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but this move fell through earlier this week. For now, he and his club Bayern are open to offers and have reportedly offered United a chance to buy him.
The biggest stumbling block in United or any other team making a move for the experienced German International is his reported price tag of £50 million placed by Bayern Munich. United do not want to pay such a hefty price for a 29-year-old who only had a miserable World Cup with Germany and believe the price tag is not justified.
United’s interest in Tottenham’s Alderweireld has also stalled for the same reason as Spurs too are demanding £50 million, although they still retain an interest in the Belgian defender. The other centre-back option is Yerry Mina of Barcelona, for whom United are ready to pay £35 million, and the Colombian is available for transfer.
United could also be interested in Boateng, as they value his experience at the top level, but only if they are unable to land other targets. Jose Mourinho will be hoping his make one more push for Alderweireld, who is in the last year of his contract at Tottenham and try to lower the fees.
However, the door is open for Boateng at Bayern, and the club would be willing to sell but at their price. As for United, they could well consider a move for the towering German, as the last resort. But, even in that scenario, it would be interesting to see if Mourinho is willing to pay £50 million for a 29-year-old.
