12 February 2024 , 19:07
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Manchester United have identified Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Edmond Tapsoba as summer transfer targets - but their chances of doing a deal could be impacted by Liverpool's interest in Xabi Alonso.
Despite failing to make a single signing during the January transfer window, Erik ten Hag is expected to be backed in the summer and a defensive overhaul is on his agenda.
Not only are there question marks over the long-term futures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof - while Jonny Evans is set to leave when his contract expires - United are keeping tabs on Frimpong and Tapsoba with a view to firming up their interest at the end of the current campaign.
As first reported by The Manchester Evening News the duo's impressive form at Leverkusen, who are top of the Bundesliga after going unbeaten so far this term and having thrashed Bayern Munich at the weekend, has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.
Interest in Frimpong initially emerged back in January with Ten Hag understood to be keen on signing a right-back ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Diogo Dalot has impressed in recent weeks but they're looking to strengthen with Wan-Bissaka likely to be sold as he enters the final year of his contract.
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Strengthening at centre-back is also on United's agenda with Varane and Evans both due to become free agents in the summer. Lindelof could also yet be sold despite extending his deal for a further year and Tapsoba has been identified as a potential replacement.
While it remains to be seen if acquiring both players would be financially viable - particularly as they look to also add in other areas - United's chances of doing a deal for the defensive duo are also likely to be complicated by Liverpool's interest in Alonso.
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Liverpool's interest in Xabi Alonso could complicate United's interest in the Bayer Leverkusen duo (Getty Images)The former Reds midfielder has been heavily touted as the ideal candidate to replace Anfield chief Jurgen Klopp, who announced last month that he would be standing down from his role at the end of the season.
Alonso, 42, has earned plenty of plaudits for the impressive body of work he has achieved at Leverkusen who are now five points clear at the Bundesliga summit.
And if Liverpool do decide that Alonso is the man to replace Klopp on Merseyside, then any potential transfer activity at Leverkusen would be delayed, with sporting director Simon Rolfes - who insists Alonso could stay put at the BayArena this summer - keen to let the club's head coach have their say on who stays and who goes.
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