Leicester: Tielemans too costly for Man Utd

Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans was priced out of a January deadline day move to Manchester United, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Tielemans’ future

The 25-year-old’s long-term future at the King Power Stadium has been up in the air throughout the whole window, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Fellow Premier League clubs have monitored Tielemans throughout the window, with GiveMeSport previously reporting interest from Newcastle United as well as Arsenal, who had agreed personal terms for the Belgian (via football.london).

The Foxes still regard Tielemans as a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans, with him playing 26 times this season, while he looks set to add to those over the second half of the season following the latest deadline day revelation.

The Latest: United interest

Following the ankle injury sustained by Christian Eriksen which is expected to leave him sidelined until the end of April at the earliest (via Daily Mail), United re-entered the window for a replacement, landing on Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer (via Sky Sports).

But Sky Sports’ reporter Sheth revealed that the Belgium international was one of the alternatives that the Red Devils discussed.

He said: “I was told that United were offered Saul Niguez but they turned that opportunity own.

“I’m told Youri Tielemans was being discussed but the fee from Leicester was likely to be too large even though he has six months left of his contract.

“So a couple of names there that United were offered, whereas United are interested in Sabitzer.”

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The Verdict: Long-term future?

With the Foxes currently holding onto their star amid the interest from sides at the top end of the league, they may still be forced to picture life without him as his future is still up in the air.

Tielemans arrived permanently in 2019 for a fee in the region of £40m (via The Guardian) and has racked up 184 appearances, bagging an unforgettable winner in the FA Cup final.

But with Leicester languishing just a point above the drop and Tielemans attracting interest from European-chasing sides, it would seem unlikely he stays unless the Foxes turn a corner and can convince him otherwise.

It could prove costly if the Foxes were to lose him for nothing, with just €31m (£27.2m) spent this season – less than they originally paid for Tielemans – and not cashing in could prove risky with funds to eventually bring in a replacement potentially limited.