Manchester United have set sights on Genk’s Bilal El Khannouss, but any transfer will depend on the club’s ability to offload players.
Football Transfers insists Manchester United have entered the race for Bilal El Khannouss from Genk, with the attacking midfielder also targetted by Liverpool in this window. The Red Devils are reportedly keen but may have to sell players before making new signings.
Manchester United interested in Bilal El Khannouss
Bilal El Khannous, the 19-year-old from Genk, has attracted the attention of some of the top clubs from around following an impressive period in Belgium. He has made 76 senior appearances for the side and has already become a regular for his national team, Morocco.
Big things await the 19-year-old ahead of what looks like a promising future in European football. More specifically, Premier League clubs are interested in him, which makes England the favourite destination for the Morocco star to arrive.
If one has to distinguish the Moroccan, then he’s very similar to Christian Eriksen, and unsurprisingly, Manchester United are now interested in him. Atletico Madrid also have an interest, but they have since signed Arthur Vermeeren from fellow Belgian side Royal Antwerp, which may see them cool their interest in El Khannouss.
Liverpool are also keen, and they could stage a direct competition with Manchester United for the 19-year-old Moroccan. The Meerseysndiers may have the funds to bring the Genk star now, but the same cannot be said about the Red Devils owing to FFP-related troubles.
Manchester United must sell before buying.
Manchester United, like many other Premier League sides, are facing problems with FFP, which has seen them remain inactive in this window. There are some vacancies created on the side after a few loan departures, but in truth, the Red Devils must sell to buy someone like El Khannouss.
Genk reportedly wants €25-30 million for the 19-year-old, meaning Manchester United will have to find funds through player sales. Are there any viable candidates to sell in this window? That is not likely, as there are chances the Red Devils will finish January without any activity.
The likelihood of El Khannouss staying at Genk is high, as clubs will then evaluate their chase later in the summer. Manchester United will hope the 19-year-old remains in Bengo=ian for the time being, as they have a chance to spend big in the next window.