Transfer Rumour: Manchester United eyeing summer deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Benjamin Henrichs

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Benjamin Henrichs in the summer transfer window

According to a report in TransferMarketWeb, Manchester United have set their sights on Benjamin Henrichs and are ready to make a move to sign the right-back from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window.

Henrichs rapidly progressed through the ranks at Bayer Leverkusen before making his senior debut for the club in 2015. Since then, the youngster has emerged as one of the most promising defenders in Europe and has already made his debut for the German national side.

This season, Henrichs has become a mainstay at the back for Leverkusen, racking up 34 appearances across all competitions for his side. And while his impact has largely been felt at the back, the 20-year-old has also chipped in with three assists.

With Henrichs being so impressive for Leverkusen this season, it is not surprising that he is starting to attract the attention of some of the best clubs across Europe. Barcelona have been heavily linked with a summer move for him, and Manchester United are ready to offer him a deal as well.

The Premier League heavyweights are believed to be scouting for long-term solutions for the right side of their defence, and Henrichs has been identified as a top target, having had him monitored on several occasions over the course of the season.

That is because even though Antonio Valencia has been a revelation as right-back this season, he is on the wrong side of 30. Thus, the Ecuadorian could soon be past his peak, then a new right-back must be available to take over from him.

For the immediate future, Henrichs’ versatility makes him an additional option for left-back, and with Luke Shaw struggling with fitness issues, the 20-year-old could slot straight into the starting lineup, if signed.

Henrichs’ current deal with Leverkusen runs till the summer of 2020, and with more than three years still left to run on it, he is likely to command a sizable fee. The report states that an offer of €25 million could set the ball rolling, and it remains to be seen if Manchester United table a formal bid.

Barcelona, too, are likely to make an offer if they zero in on Henrichs as their most ideal target, and we could be in for a summer battle to see where the German international plays next season.