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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Man Utd scouts 'increase focus' on Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku as summer transfer eyed

Manchester United are interested in RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku.

The France youth international, 24, is believed to be on the Premier League side's radar, as interim manager Ralf Rangnick looks to bolster their midfield department in the summer.

Although Rangnick's contract expires at the end of the season, he is set to start a two-year consultancy gig at Old Trafford when the club announce their new permanent boss.

Rangnick will have a say on the team's philosophy and new signings for the foreseeable future, something the German's successor will have to consider.

United are expected to say goodbye to a number of players in the summer - including Paul Pogba, who is out of contract in June and is likely to leave the club.

Who should Manchester United sign in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick against Manchester City earlier this season (DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

The Red Devils will need to replace Pogba following his second departure from Old Trafford and, according to ESPN, Nkunku could be the man to replace him.

Rangnick oversaw Leipzig's signing of Nkunku from Paris Saint-Germain during his time as Red Bull's head of sport and development.

The midfielder has impressed since leaving the French capital, scoring 19 goals in all competitions this season - including a hat-trick against Manchester City at the Etihad.

United's interest in Nkunku, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his existing deal, is believed to have emerged since Rangnick was appointed in November.

Speaking earlier this month, Leipzig's global head of football Oliver Mintzlaff confirmed the German outfit have no intention of selling the player in the summer.

"He [Nkunku] will also play with us next season because of course he is a very important player," Mintzlaff told Sky Deutschland.

"In football nothing is ever certain, but that's our plan. We don't have many players who can leave us in the summer. We want to strengthen the team rather than weaken it."

Although few are doubting Nkunku's quality, many believe United should be trying to sign a defensive midfielder rather than one who can score goals.

The Red Devils have conceded 32 Premier League goals this season - three more than bottom side Burnley.

Many have questioned whether incumbent central midfield pair Fred and Scott McTominay are good enough for a top European side.

Nkunku has previously played for Paris Saint-Germain (X90125)

United have been urged to sign both Declan Rice from West Ham and Kalvin Phillips from Leeds by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell.

"Just pay it [the transfer fee]," Campbell told Football Insider. "Don’t even question it because they are both top, top players.

"Just go and pay the money, it’s not like they haven’t got it. Two players who are both England internationals. There should be no hesitation. Just go and pay that money.

"That is where the problem is at Manchester United. It is in the midfield. I know Fred and McTominay have done a decent job but let’s be honest, Phillips and Rice are a big upgrade.

"If they do that, their engine room looks like a Rolls-Royce. They are two top-quality home-grown players."

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