Leeds United and Burnley are all set to battle it out for the services of Manchester United sensation Hannibal Mejbri.
According to Daily Mail via MOT Leeds News, Leeds United are interested in the services of Hannibal Mejbri as they look to reinforce their midfield in the remaining days of the transfer window.
However, the Whites will face tough competition from fellow EFL Championship Burnley, who according to Fabrizio Romano are plotting a loan move with a buy obligation for the Manchester United midfield prospect.
Hannibal Mejbri joined the Manchester United youth ranks back in the summer of 2019. He went up the ranks at some pace and was a part of their first team in 2022. While he had an impressive loan spell at Birmingham City in the 2022/23 season, things have not gone according to plan for him since.
Manchester United ready to offload Hannibal, Leeds United keen
After not getting much game time under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils decided to send him out on loan to Sevilla for the second half of last season. But, even that did not work out as he was involved in just six games. While he is back at Old Trafford, the 21-year-old is not an important part of their plans moving ahead.
With just 12 months left on his deal, Manchester United have been open to his departure, and there has been interest in his services from Leeds United as well as Burnley. The West Yorkshire club missed out on promotion by the smallest of margins, and they have already paid a big price for it.
Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, and Georginio Rutter are some of their stars who have already left the club, and they are yet to replace them. Leeds seek reinforcement in quite a few areas of the pitch, and midfield is one of them.
Leeds to face serious competition from Burnley
Hannibal could be a quick loan solution for Leeds United, who at this point in time lack depth. The 21-year-old has done well in the EFL Championship in the past, and his versatility could be of great help to them. But, they will have to battle it out with Burnley, who seem to be leading the race at this stage.
They are already in talks with Manchester United regarding a loan move with a mandatory buy clause. While nothing has been agreed upon yet as the terms of the deal are not what the Red Devils expect, Burnley have reached out to Manchester United, and the player’s representatives as they look to strengthen their team and push for an immediate return to the English top flight.