Youri Tielemans could be set to perform a dramatic u-turn on a transfer to Manchester United having previously rejected the prospect of joining the Red Devils.
The club are keen to add to their midfield options this summer with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong having emerged as their priority target. So far, a swoop for the Dutchman has proved troublesome - De Jong himself remaining unconvinced of swapping the Camp Nou for Old Trafford.
Tielemans however could remain as an option with CBS claiming that the Red Devils’ interest in the Belgian playmaker is ‘genuine’ and ‘growing’ with less than three weeks to go until the 2022/23 season kicks off.
It is suggested that he could be a ‘far cheaper and less complicated’ option than previous target De Jong, with boss Erik ten Hag adding him to the club’s shortlist of potential midfield recruits.
The club’s interest in Tielemans is not fresh - Man Utd having been regularly noted as admirers as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with Premier League rivals Leicester City. Ralf Rangnick was previously eyeing a swoop for the former Anderlecht and AS Monaco star but Tielemans reportedly rejected a move to the club whilst they were under the tutelage of the German.
It remains to be seen whether that stance changes with Ten Hag in charge but should that be the case then it would see Tielemans change his mind over the space of just a few months.
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Whilst the Red Devils are interested in a deal for the 25-year-old, Arsenal are also high among his admirers. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add further to his midfield options at the Emirates Stadium.
As per the reports from CBS, the north London side have not yet lodged a bid for Tielemans’ signature but are ‘strongly considering’ making an attempt to sign him.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers recently gave an update on the midfielder’s future in the East Midlands, revealing that there had been little progress over talks on an extended deal. He said: "There's no update at all. He's an amazing guy to work with. He's just re-joined the club [for pre-season] and he's pretty much the same. In training he's very committed.
"He's happy in his work and he's happy at the club. But, naturally, with a year in his contract he may feel he has to look at everything for him and his family. But I certainly know he’s committed while he is here.
"I'll have a good chat with Youri next week to get privately what he's thinking. But it won't change, whether he's leaving or staying for another five years, he'll still be super committed."
