Manchester United are set to be rivalled by Bayern Munich for the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Manchester United are not ready to give up on the chase of RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer as Bayern Munich push for a move as well. The Austrian international has a €25 million price tag, which should not be a problem for either of the interested clubs.
Ralf Rangnick, who managed Manchester United on an interim basis, suggested Laimer’s name to the club’s board, who are now eager to complete a move for the 25-year-old. The Red Devils need reinforcements in the midfield, having lost both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba this summer.
Laimer has been with Leipzig since the 2017 summer when he joined from sister club RB Salzburg. He has since made 159 appearances for the Bundesliga club, scoring 11 and assisting 18 goals. A sure-shot starter since the 2019/20 season, the midfielder is known for his versatility and is well-versed with the high-pressing system as well, and could be a good fit into Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford.
However, Bayern Munich are also said to be showing interest in the Austria international, who has just one year left on his contract with Leipzig. The Bavarian giants lost Marc Roca and Corentin Tolisso this summer, while Marcel Sabitzer could be sold as well. So even though they have signed Ryan Gravenberch, another midfielder would be welcome, making Laimer a viable target.
However, as per Rudy Galetti, RB Leipzig would rather sell Laimer to a foreign club, which puts Manchester United in the pole position for his signature.
Ten Hag is also plotting a move for former Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Barcelona midfield maestro also seems open to a move to Old Trafford, and the club are confident of completing the deal. But they are also wary of Barcelona increasing their demands at the last minute and do not want to commit an outlandish sum.
As per the latest reports, Manchester United are preparing to submit an improved offer worth €70 million, plus add-ons, after an initial €60 million offer was rejected by the Blaugrana. But the Red Devils are aware that Barcelona need to offload the midfielder to register new signings and are thus ready to play the waiting game.
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal were also said to be interested in Laimer. However, the former have signed Yves Bissouma and the latter are closing in on the capture of Fabio Vieira, which should rule them out of the race. It will be interesting to see who between Manchester United and Bayern Munich come out on top in the race for Laimer.
