Ralf Rangnick is an advocate for the signing of RB Leipzig star Konrad Laimer as Manchester United decide that a new midfielder is their first order of business in the summer.
The Red Devils are on the verge of appointing a new manager following the interviews of Erik ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique. Rangnick will take on a consultancy role in the summer and there have been conflicting reports on whether he is involved in the process of appointing his successor.
But he will have a say on the rebuild of the squad having been interim boss for the second half of the season. And Bild claims that United have targeted Austria international Laimer as Rangnick looks to reunite with his former player at Old Trafford.
Manchester Evening News also report that signing a midfielder is a priority in the summer as Paul Pogba looks set to leave as a free agent. Laimer, who is valued at £23million on Transfermarkt, joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017 when Rangnick was their sporting director and has been mightily impressive in the Bundesliga.
Rangnick has given his seal of approval for United to pursue a deal, but they will have stiff competition from other Premier League clubs. Laimer is entering the final year of his contract as Leipzig plan to open talks with him over an extension once the current campaign is over.
Laimer would be an ideal replacement for Pogba who looks destined to leave Old Trafford in the summer. Paris Saint-Germain are one of the clubs interested in acquiring the Frenchman and have made an offer to the 29-year-old, according to the MEN.
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Pogba would prefer a return to Juventus, however, or Real Madrid, but their interest has seemingly cooled. Pogba said last week he had not made a decision on his future. "Nothing is decided on my future, there is nothing done," he told Telefoot. "I can decide tomorrow, as I can decide during the transfer window. I want to come back, finish the season well.
"The season is not over yet, but almost because we don't have any more titles to play for. I want to win titles, to play for something and this year and the last few years we haven't won a title. It's sad."
It's claimed dressing room sources say Pogba is effectively 'gone' with two months left of his contract. The club have been planning for his expected departure for most of the season as contract talks stalled.
