‘There is now an open dialogue’ between Manchester United and RB Leipzig regarding Amadou Haidara, according to journalist Jonathan Shrager.
He tweeted: “Whilst talks are in preliminary stages, I am told that there is now an open dialogue between #MUFC and RB Leipzig regarding Amadou Haidara”.
Predominantly a central midfielder but also able to play a more defensive role, Haidara has started 10 Bundesliga games for Leipzig so far this season (via WhoScored).
According to FBRef, he is similar stylistically to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
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Significantly, while Newcastle are also said to be interested, SPORT 1’s chief reporter Patrick Berger points out that Haidara’s ‘favourite club as a kid’ was Manchester United.
The 23-year-old is currently away with Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations, and it’s unclear if that would prove to be an obstacle towards signing him in this month’s transfer window. He has three-and-a-half years left to run on his contract at Leipzig and is valued at £21.6m by Transfermarkt.
Fan feed Utd Report relayed Shrager’s update, and here’s what some supporters made of it, with one fan believing that Haidara would be a significant upgrade on the much-maligned midfield duo of Scott McTominay and Fred.
These United fans want Haidara signed
“Not a DM, but he’s 10x better then McFred probably”
Credit: @Mike99371
“This guy dreams to play for us, get him in”
Credit: @drolemufc
“Nice, let’s gooo, pls buy him”
Credit: @Brandon28176374
“Omg sign him please”
Credit: @abdoul_mufc
“I hope they don’t bottle this one”
Credit: @KingRox01
“Our title charge starts from now”
Credit: @RangnickGOAT
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