Manchester United are reportedly among several European outfits interested in RSC Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker.
According to Belgian publication HLN, Manchester United are among several European outfits interested in RSC Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker. The Red Devils, along with AC Milan and RB Leipzig, are keen on signing the player and have sent scouts to watch him in action recently as well.
Leander Dendoncker is a 22-year-old midfielder who joined RSC Anderlecht in 2009 and has since graduated through the club’s academy to establish himself as a regular fixture in the first-team plans for the Belgian heavyweights. The player has excelled in a defensive midfield role and has even managed to represent Belgium at the senior level as well.
Manchester United are now monitoring Leander Dendoncker. [Metro]
The defensive midfielder is highly regarded in Belgium ?? pic.twitter.com/1XQeM8d2Te
— themufcvoice (@themufcvoice) July 27, 2017
Last season, the player made a mammoth 57 appearances for Anderlecht, bagging 6 goals – a decent return for a defensively minded midfielder. Perhaps, Dendoncker’s most influential performances for Anderlecht came over the two legs of their UEFA Europa League knockout phase tie against Manchester United.
The player managed to catch Jose Mourinho’s eye as he was one of the goalscorers in the tie and was a shining highlight for Anderlecht throughout the match while the more recognised Youri Tielemans was kept quiet by the Manchester United eleven.
The Red Devils were briefly linked with the player after his performance and it seems the club have decided to now reignite the interest in the 22-year-old. Manchester United are in need of a midfielder – one to replace Carrick to be precise.
Jose Mourinho has mentioned the position along with the wide attacking slot as the two areas he needs a reinforcement in. The Portuguese manager has been long linked to a reunion with Nemanja Matic. But, the club has also started to look at Renato Sanches and now Dendoncker as potential alternatives to the Serb.
United, though, will have to stave off competition from AC Milan and RB Leipzig for the 22-year-old Belgian. AC Milan, though, are battling United for Sanches as well and with the club favourites to land the Portuguese, the Rossoneri may decide to end their pursuit of Dendoncker.
Leander Dendoncker said to be high on Mourinho’s list, and Man United official watching him tomorrow. #MUFC https://t.co/gyt9aks7Uu pic.twitter.com/8LalpXcMWQ
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 27, 2017
RB Leipizg’s interest may be down to their talisman, Naby Keita being linked to Liverpool. But, according to latest reports, Liverpool may have ended their pursuit of the Guinean, which may, in turn, see the Bundesliga outfit withdraw their interest in the 22-year-old.
Anderlecht has reportedly placed a €35 million price tag on Dendoncker. But, the club may be inclined to accept any offers around the €25 million mark or above, given the fact that the 22-year-old himself wants to move onto the next chapter of his footballing career – on to a bigger club.
