Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid and England defender Kieran Trippier with an eye on a potential summer swoop.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Manchester United are considering making a move for Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier in the summer transfer window, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes reinforcements at the back.
The 30-year-old came through the youth ranks at United’s local rivals Manchester City, but never made a senior appearance for the club. After a couple of loan spells away at Barnsley, Trippier joined Burnley in the summer of 2011 on a permanent basis and grew into one of the most promising right-backs in the country.
Having spent four years at Turf Moor, Trippier moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 and became a vital player in Mauricio Pochettino’s revolution in North London, before departing for Atletico Madrid last year.
Since joining the Rojiblancos, he has established himself as a regular, racking up 48 appearances, in which he has eight assists. The 30-year-old has started each of Atletico’s league games this term as they sit at the top of the La Liga standings.
A key part of the England national team, Trippier was an ever-present as the Three Lions made it to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. And, as per the aforementioned report, the right-back has registered on the radars of Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.
As things stand, the Red Devils have Aaron Wan-Bissaka as their undisputed first-choice at right-back, with the injury-prone Timothy Fosu-Mensah as cover. Diogo Dalot was loaned out to AC Milan this past summer and is expected to make his transfer permanent to Italy next year, which could warrant the addition of a new right-back in the summer.
Reports last month claimed that Brazilian defender Emerson Royal, who is co-owned by Barcelona and Real Betis could be someone that Manchester United consider signing. As per the latest update though, the 20-time English champions are looking at Trippier as an option.
It is claimed that Manchester United are long-term admirers of the 23-time capped England international. While Wan-Bissaka has done exceptionally well since joining the club from Crystal Palace last year, concerns remain over his attacking capabilities. And, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eyeing Trippier as an attacking alternative for the 23-year-old.
Trippier’s contract with Atletico Madrid runs till 2022, meaning he will be entering the final year of his deal in the summer and may be available for a bargain price.
Trippier’s age would mean that the Englishman would hardly represent a long-term option for Manchester United. However, with promising youngster Ethan Laird coming through the youth ranks at the club, a stop-gap option like the 30-year-old could prove to be a shrewd signing for the Red Devils.