Borussia Dortmund eye Manchester United transfer as Reds plan ‘contract talks’ over Rashford

Ralf Rangnick may very well soon make his first signing at Manchester United as reports suggest Denis Zakaria is soon set to join the ranks at Old Trafford.

The holding midfielder would bring his skills in breaking up opposition attacks and passing to the table which would fit into Rangnick’s ideal ‘gegenpressing’ mould.

Amid all the talk surrounding the German manager’s first potential signing, there has also been continued speculation around who is set to leave the club.

The January transfer window has not been a quiet time at Old Trafford with several players expressing their desire to leave. Some players, such as Anthony Martial, have been linked with a United exit only to have their hopes dashed.

Martial was set to head to the La Liga club Sevilla before United reportedly set out unreasonable terms that the relatively cash-strapped Spanish side could not contend with.

Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard both see their contract up at the end of the 2021/22 season and noise has been made as to where they will be heading next.

There has been constant speculation for many seasons now as to Pogba’s future with the Red Devils and there is yet to be any confirmation as to where he will be come August.

Lingard has received interest from his previous loan club, West Ham, while also attracting the notice of another London-based club, Tottenham Hotspur.

Another player who has drawn attention is Amad Diallo. The 19-year-old has reportedly caught the watchful eyes of Borussia Dortmund but there has yet to be any reports of official talks or deals.

The other hot topic of conversation which will pervade the minds of Man United fans is the fate of Marcus Rashford.

With his contract currently set to expire in 2023, United will reportedly prioritise a new contract for the England international.

Here is all the latest transfer news surrounding Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford

Is Amad Diallo likely to head to Borussia Dortmund?

It has been reported by Sky Deutschland via Sport witness that the Bundesliga club are currently keeping an eye on the Ivory Coast international.

The young winger started out his youth career at Boca Barco before moving to the Atalanta youth system in 2015.

He stayed with the Italian club until 2021 when he moved to Manchester United. Despite United starting contracts for the youngster on 5 October 2020, it was not until 7 January last year that the winger officially joined the club on a five-year contract with the option of an extra year.

The Red Devils agreed their deal for the transfer of Amad after BVB had refused to let Jadon Sancho move to United in the same transfer window.

A deal in the summer window fell through after the 19-year-old picked up an injury in training. Since returning to the pitch, he has only made one appearance and is due to go out on loan later this month.

Diallo is a two-footed player who is also capable of playing what the Italians called ‘mezzala’ or half-winger.

His fast pace and dynamic action with high technical abilities make him an excellent target for the top clubs, who will hope he comes into his prime in the next few seasons.

While Marco Rose’s side is said to have an ‘eye on the United youngster’ it is likely he will face competition from other English clubs, most notably former United player Wayne Rooney’s Derby County.

The Championship side may well take the player on a loan deal in the winter market.

Will Marcus Rashford leave United?

It was reported yesterday that Rashford was soon set to face a huge ‘dilemma’ over his future with United.

The 24-year-old has been at his childhood club since 2005 but has recently seen a huge dip in confidence and consequently form. It is possible that a new challenge for the striker would ignite his former passion for the game and bring back his pace, direction and exceptional skill with the ball.

However, sources have now told ESPN that United are now set to prioritise a new contract for the England international. Rashford’s current contract is set to expire in 2023 with the option of United extending it an additional year.

ESPN continue to report that with the potential departures of Pogba and Lingard at the end of the 2021/22 season, United bosses are desperate to avoid a similar situation that has arisen with those two players happening with Rashford, who became a prolific player since he scored twice on his debut as an 18-year-old against FC Midtjylland.

After Rashford’s performance against Aston Villa on Monday (10 January), Rangnick said he was unable to explain the forward’s lack of drive and recent drop in form that has seen him score just three times all season in any competition.

According to the same ESPN sources, there has been a view within the club that Rashford has yet to fully recover from his long-standing injury - for which he underwent surgery in August 2021.

While United are once again to undergo a period of change as Richard Arnold takes over as Chief Executive and Rangnick due to move later into a consultancy position, it’s been reported Rashford’s new contract negotiations will not be sidetracked by these new transformations.