Man Utd 'to make De Paul transfer'

Updated: 14 Oct 2024 11:27 BST
4 min read

Rodrigo de Paul, Atletico, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, with the club expected to make a move.

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At present, United are looking to tie Kobbie Mainoo down to a new deal, with the MEN saying that the side wishes to build their midfield around the England international.

Other midfielders include Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Spanish outlet Fichajes states that United are looking at De Paul, who would serve as Mainoo’s partner in the engine room.

The report states that United will make a move next year, even though De Paul is 30 years old and his existing deal expires in 2026.

United were to solidify their interest and sign De Paul, it could spell trouble for Casemiro or Christian Eriksen, with the latter in the final year of his contract.

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De Paul has been a key player for Diego Simeone since joining Atletico in 2021. However, his influence seems to have dropped this season, with the veteran coming off the bench in four of his eight La Liga appearances.

De Paul's age raises questions about whether United would actually pursue him. In the club’s first transfer window under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, United focused on signing younger players.

Man Utd's other midfield target

Meanwhile United are keen on Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who is known to be “upset” at the Allianz Arena.

The Sun says that the Red Devils are “on alert” after learning that the 29-year-old Germany international midfielder is on the transfer market.

Goretzka, who has a contract that runs until 2026, has featured just once in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich and was only given a nine-minute cameo against Dinamo Zagreb in in Tuesday’s astonishing 9-2 victory. He still managed to score against the Croat club, however.

Vincent Kompany’s side have already warned the player, who was linked with the Red Devils in the summer, he will have no more than a bit-part role at FCB this season.

"We communicated very clearly from the start. Leon knew that we were relying on Aleksandar Pavlovic, and that we would bring in Joao Palhinha and that Joshua Kimmich would play more in the centre again," Max Eberl told Sky Germany.

"It's just that the competition is fierce. We've also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he'll be treated completely normally.

"Leon's a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he's obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that's part of life in football."