Anderlecht have reportedly given Manchester United and Everton a two-week deadline to complete their move for Leander Dendoncker
According to a report in The Sun, Anderlecht have informed Manchester United and Everton that they only have a two-week deadline to sign Leander Dendoncker. The Belgian club will not let the player leave in the final days of the summer transfer window and will then look to hand him a new deal.
Dendoncker joined Anderlecht’s youth setup in 2009, rapidly progressing through the ranks before breaking into the senior squad in 2013. Since then, the player has gone on to establish himself as one of the mainstays of the side, impressing with his performances at the heart of midfield.
The 2016/17 season turned out to be his most fruitful one for the Belgian club thus far, as Dendoncker amassed an incredible 57 appearances for his side, playing every single match in the Jupiler Pro League as Anderlecht won their 34th top flight title. A return of 6 goals was also a handy contribution to the team.
To those who ask, this is #MUFC target Leander Dendoncker. pic.twitter.com/vu7QTvkAZW
— Man United Now (@ManUnitedNow) July 29, 2017
The player was particularly impressive in the Europa League as Anderlecht reached the quarterfinals before going down to Manchester United. Dendoncker, though, was one of the better performers for his side as his goal in the first leg gave the Belgians a glimmer of hope to progress further.
Perhaps, the aforementioned tie is when the 22-year-old managed to catch the eye of clubs across Europe, and Manchester United, in particular. The Red Devils are now hot in pursuit of the young Belgian midfielder, having already submitted their enquiry for the player.
Manchester United recently completed the signing of Nemanja Matic as Jose Mourinho finally managed to secure the services of the elusive midfielder that he had long been hoping to sign. Despite the Serb’s arrival, the Portuguese manager is aiming to add another midfielder to his squad.
With Matic and veteran Michael Carrick already at the disposal of the Manchester United boss to play the deep lying midfield role, the interest in Dendoncker does come as a surprise. Meanwhile, Everton are also in the race to sign the player.
Ronald Koeman’s current options to play the holding midfield role are Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry. But while the English midfielder is well into the twilight years of his career, Gueye has been attracting interest from several clubs, and a late move could be on the cards.
The Everton boss has, thus, set his sights on Dendoncker, with the Belgium international being highly impressive in his young career so far. Anderlecht, however, have given a two-week deadline to the two Premier League clubs to complete their signing of the player.
Should they not manage to do so, the Belgian club will block any move for their prized asset. In fact, they will also table a five-year deal to Dendoncker to make him their highest paid player.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old is only willing to move to a club where he will secure regular first-team football next season to earn a place in Belgium’s squad for next year’s World Cup. The prospect is likely to be available at Everton with Manchester United’s midfield options currently stacked.
Dendoncker is likely to be available for £25-30 million, an amount that is unlikely to deter either club in their pursuit of the player. It now remains to be seen where the player heads off to this summer, with only two weeks left for clubs to sign him.
