Yahoo Sports Man Utd want to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender
Manchester United are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, according to Sport BILD (page 24).
The Red Devils bolstered their central defensive department with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt during the recent transfer window.
The club could reinforce the backline further next year, and Tah is on their radar.
The 28-year-old wants to play in the Premier League and would ideally prefer to join a Champions League outfit.
The Red Devils hold an interest in signing him on a free transfer, with his contract expiring next summer.
Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in the Hamburg graduate.
United unlikely to pursue a deal for Tah
The Germany international was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer, but a deal did not materialise.
Tah made it clear that he would not be extending his contract, but Leverkusen were reluctant to sell him without a quality successor.
They are now likely to lose him on a free transfer, as manager Xabi Alonso will not entertain a cut-price sale in January.
United can negotiate a pre-contract with Tah in January, but this is unlikely to happen after the change in transfer policy.
The club are focused on signing emerging talents or players entering the prime of their careers.
The average age of the club’s arrivals this summer was 23 years old. Noussair Mazraoui was the oldest acquisition for United at 26.
Tah will turn 29 in February next year. He is currently on £46,000 per week and may demand a huge wage hike.
Aside from his salary, the centre-back will want a huge signing-on fee to join on a free transfer.
Tah could be past his prime in one or two seasons and it would not represent good business for the Red Devils.
The defender may want an assured starting role and Champions League football, none of which can be guaranteed for next season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com.
