Manchester United are reportedly interested in and set to battle Napoli in the summer in pursuit of Tottenham superstar Kieran Trippier.
According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Tottenham superstar Kieran Trippier is on the radar of a couple of European giants. Napoli and Manchester United are both interested in the English international and are set to battle each other for the defender’s signature in the summer.
Kieran Trippier shined first in the Premier League as part of the Burnley squad that surprised a lot of people. The player has since moved to Tottenham and established himself as a key member at Spurs and for the England National Team. But, his form since the 2018 FIFA World Cup has dipped, with Trippier not really impressing much despite playing majority of his matches in a forward position as right wing-back.
Tottenham are already looking at options to reinforce their defence and Trippier is reportedly one of the players that could be on their way out in the summer. The 28-year-old is, however, drawing interest from Serie A giants Napoli and Premier League outfit Manchester United.
Carlo Ancelotti does not have a lot of wide options in his squad. Elseid Hysaj and Kevin Malcuit are the designated right-backs at Napoli. But, Hysaj is heavily linked with a summer exit and Ancelotti wants a more attack-minded right-back to be added to his options, with Trippier an ideal target.
Manchester United have been struggling with the right side of their squad for a while now. With Antonio Valencia tapering off with age, there have been no real standouts within the squad that could replace the Ecuadorian permanently at right-back. With no right winger as well, this has often condemned United to a left-heavy attack, with no real width on the right.
Ashley Young has recently been preferred at right-back, but the veteran has come under considerable criticism for his performances. Diogo Dalot was signed in the summer to fill the position and has impressed thus far. But, the Portuguese will need some time to fully adapt to English football, as was witnessed in Victor Lindelof’s case.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the names that have cropped up as potential targets for Manchester United. But, Solskjaer could look to add an experienced right-back, putting faith behind Dalot to take over full-time in a year or two. Trippier has considerable Premier League and European experience and has proven to be a quality player.
What could put Manchester United in trouble is Trippier’s current form. While it could very well be a temporary dip, Trippier has been putting in the same level of displays post-World Cup. Thus, United could be left with another out-of-form right back in their squad if they sign Trippier in the summer.
The 28-year-old could also use with a change of clubs, considering the tight wage structure at Tottenham, which has restricted his pay packet to a large extent. Manchester United, Napoli or someplace else; Trippier could fancy a summer move away from Tottenham to start a new chapter.
