CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Youri Tielemans has been mentioned at Manchester United in relation to a potential transfer.
Back in February, a report from 90min suggested that United were long-term admirers of the Belgian, and speaking on The Done Deal Show, Jacobs has reinforced those claims, citing the 25-year-old as a possible option for the Red Devils.
Arsenal, who are rivalling the Old Trafford outfit for Lisandro Martinez, are also interested in Tielemans, despite Sky Sports claiming that their efforts had cooled following the recent arrival of fellow centre-midfielder Fabio Vieira at the Emirates Stadium.
Jacobs has now shed light on the situation and given the Gunners’ apparent stranglehold on the future of the 52-cap Belgium ace it could be difficult for United to land his signature.
“Ten Hag has actually actively and directly put Tielemans on a shortlist of possibilities.
“So it may be that if Tielemans doesn’t get an offer from Arsenal and Manchester United put something in, then Tielemans can be persuaded to go to Manchester United, because it’s a different manager, it’s a new era and he doesn’t have that other option, and he still wants some form of European football.
“But I think more likely is if Man U bid first, it would prompt Arsenal to actually do something and then he would end up still at Arsenal.”
TIF Thoughts on Tielemans and Arsenal…
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Labelled a “top, top-class player” by Pep Guardiola and ‘one of Europe’s best midfielders’ by his current manager Brendan Rodgers, it is no wonder teams aren’t lining up to meet the £25m asking price that The Telegraph reported the Foxes had set back at the end of March.
With just one year remaining on his current Leicester contract, the £120k-per-week maestro is an affordable option for footballing director John Murtough to pursue.
Perhaps there is more than meets the eye regarding Tielemans’ future but certainly the longer the transfer window goes on without Arsenal acting it could entice United to make their move.