The young right-back has been impressing for Bayer Leverkusen (Pictures: Getty)
Manchester United are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong but have yet to make official contact with the defender, according to reports in Germany.
Manager Erik ten Hag has long identified right-back as an area that needs reinforcing and explored several options in the summer transfer window, with Thomas Meunier and Sergino Dest among the players linked with moves to Old Trafford.
Nothing materialised, however, partly because United were unable to find a buyer for Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who lacks some of the technical skills Ten Hag feels are vital for a full-back in his system.
The former Crystal Palace man has struggled with injuries and been limited to just one brief cameo off the bench in the Premier League this season.
Diogo Dalot has nailed down a starting role in his absence, delivering some strong performances, though Ten Hag is still thought to be keen to bring in another right-back to compete with the Portuguese defender.
In the summer, United had other priorities and only looked into cut-price deals and loan options to solve their right-back conundrum, but they have now begun a more comprehensive search to find a long-term solution.
Frimpong has already netted four times this season (Picture: Getty)
According to Sky Sport Germany, Leverkusen star Frimpong is one of the players on their list and they are exploring a potential move.
The Netherlands Under-21 international, who is enjoying an excellent campaign so far, is very familiar with British football having come through the academy at Manchester City – which he joined as a schoolboy in 2010 – before moving to Celtic in 2019.
Ten Hag is well aware of his countryman, who is pushing for a place in Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad after netting four goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances this season as well as assisting twice in the Champions League.
Frimpong is technically capable, quick and very attack-minded, with new Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso already having identified him as a key player and handing him an even more adventurous role at right wing-back.
The youngster is not the only player United are keeping tabs on, but is well rated by Ten Hag and his coaching staff and would suit the front-foot football they want to play.
As yet, there has been no contact between the Red Devils and Frimpong’s entourage, while he has a contract with Leverkusen until 2025 meaning any interested clubs will have to pay a sizeable fee for one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young talents.
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The 21-year-old has been earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga.