Man Utd eye Jeremie Frimpong but face Chelsea competition

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 2 Jan 2023 08:42 GMT
• 7 min read

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Manchester United are keen on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong and could make a move in January, FootballTransfers understands.

Erik ten Hag sees the 21-year-old as a suitable fit for the right-back position as the manager looks to bring in another Dutch star into the fold at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils will face stiff competition from a number of clubs, however, with even Chelsea looking at raiding the transfer market.

Frimpong has not received any official approach from any side and his focus is solely at the moment focused on making the squad for the upcoming World Cup, but his camp is aware of the interest in him.

MORE: Man Utd transfer target is ‘worth €120m - and price will increase!’

Bayer managed to keep hold of their star names over the summer, with Newcastle inquiring about Moussa Diaby, who opted to stay, and Patrik Schick signing a new long-term deal, but their slow start to the season makes qualification for any European competition a distant prospect, thus they may have to concede some of their more ambitious players.

Frimpong's performance 2022/23 vs Bundesliga right-backs

MORE: Man Utd's two options to replace De Gea

Ten Hag earmarks Wan-Bissaka for exit

As FootballTransfers reported over the summer, Ten Hag wants a complete overhaul at Man Utd. The likes of Harry Maguire, who has been dropped, and Fred and Scott McTominay will eventually be moved on to make way for new blood.

The noise around Carrington is that the former Ajax manager wants to bring in more technical players who have ‘personality’ - which speaks to the reason why Man Utd pressed hard for the signing of fiery centre-back Lisandro Martinez over the summer.

Another man who is destined to leave once a suitable bidder comes in is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a player who, despite transforming his physicality over the summer, will be moved on as Ten Hag looks to bolster the side with players who suit his blueprint of the future.

Though the suggestion is that the Glazers are unwilling to spend this January window, it's believed the prospect of the club missing out on their top targets and not appeasing their manager would lead to catastrophe.

Chelsea's interest in Frimpong, then, could lead to Man Utd pushing for an early move.