Bayer Leverkusen have entered the race to sign Manchester United ace Brandon Williams on loan while Sheffield United are eyeing a loan swoop for Jesse Lingard.
According to a report from Daily Telegraph, Manchester United youngster, Brandon Williams has emerged as a loan target for Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old full-back made his breakthrough at the first-team level last season and made quite an impression. However, Williams has found game time hard to come by in the ongoing campaign following the summer arrival of Alex Telles, with the Brazilian competing for the left-back spot with Luke Shaw.
So far in 2020/21, Williams has featured just five times for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, only two of which have been starts. The England Under-21 international has registered a solitary assist in these appearances. Considering the lack of opportunities coming his way, Manchester United are considering the possibility of loaning him out in January.
Fellow Premier League side Southampton have already registered an interest in taking the 20-year-old on loan, while there has been some degree of interest from Newcastle United as well. And now, Bayer Leverkusen have also emerged as suitors for Williams.
Peter Bosz’s side, who are at the top of the Bundesliga standings, brought in Santiago Arias on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer but the Colombian suffered a serious leg injury, leaving them short of options. While Williams has largely played at left-back for United, he is comfortable in the right-back slot as well, making him an appealing target for Die Werkself.
Leverkusen had previously looked at Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Neco Williams of Liverpool as potential targets. However, they have narrowed in on Williams ahead of the January transfer window and are hoping to sign the 20-year-old on at least a six-month loan deal.
Solskjaer recently admitted that Manchester United would consider a temporary loan exit for the England Under-21 international. It now remains to be whether Williams moves to Germany, like fellow academy man Tahith Chong, or secures a loan transfer to a club within the Premier League.
Jesse Lingard loan eyed by Sheffield United
From one academy graduate who is held in high regard at the club to another who finds himself out of favour, Jesse Lingard could be offered a way to resurrect to his career in January as Sheffield United are eyeing a loan deal for the midfielder according to a report from the Manchester Evening News.
The Blades have endured a torrid start to the new season and are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after 13 games. Chris Wilder invested over £50 million in the summer on new players, but things have not gone according to plans for Sheffield United and they are looking to reinforce their roster in January.
To that end, Wilder is reported to have had detailed talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday night.
Lingard, who turned 28 years old earlier this week, has emerged as a potential loan target for the Yorkshire-based outfit. The Manchester United academy graduate has featured just twice this season, with both appearances coming in the Carabao Cup. He hasn’t played since September and hasn’t been a part of a Premier League matchday squad since early October.
Lingard is set to enter the final six months of his contract with Manchester United and was reportedly seeking talks with the club to get clarity on his future. The Red Devils are planning to trigger the one-year extension option in his contract, but only in order to protect his value and get a transfer fee for him in the summer, while being open to loaning him out next month.
While a move to Sheffield United could work out well for all parties involved, there are concerns over whether the Blades’ ability to cover the majority of Lingard’s £100,000 weekly wage.
