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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Manchester United hold talks with Jeremie Frimpong amid plan to sell four defenders

Manchester United have held talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

United manager Erik ten Hag is still intent on recruiting a new right-back as United could sell up to three full-backs this summer. Sources say Ten Hag really likes Frimpong and is keen on the player.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was made available for transfer last year but United did not receive any concrete offers. Fellow right-back Diogo Dalot is still in discussions with United over a new contract as he approaches the final year of his existing deal. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan have all expressed interest in Dalot in recent months.

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Although Wan-Bissaka, 25, has regained form in recent months and has been battling Dalot for the starting position, Ten Hag is keen on improving his options at right-back.

Frimpong, 22, moved to Manchester at the age of six and came through the City academy before joining Celtic in 2019. City inserted a sell-on clause into Frimpong's contract and he moved to Leverkusen two years later.

Frimpong has started in 26 of Leverkusen's 28 Bundesliga matches this term and The Netherlands international was named in Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad but did not make an appearance during the Qatar finals.

Last summer Ten Hag focused United's transfer strategy on targets developed in his homeland. Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Antony were bought from Eredivisie clubs Feyenoord and Ajax while Christian Eriksen began his career with Ajax.

Frimpong is under contract at Leverkusen until 2025. The attack-minded full-back is understood to be calm about his future and told reporters last week he is focusing on Leverkusen and the next games.

United have provisionally planned for Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams to be sold. Marseille have an obligation to permanently sign the on-loan Bailly for €6million if they qualify for the Champions League and he plays a certain number of matches but the latter is unlikely.

A striker is United’s priority for the summer, with Tottenham talisman Harry Kane Ten Hag’s preferred target. Ten Hag also wants a younger midfielder amid ongoing interest in Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham, while United are expected to be in the market for a centre half if Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire leave.

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