‘Not in contact’ - 13-goal striker linked with Man Utd makes transfer admission

Brain Brobbey has revealed he has not been in contact with Erik ten Hag despite reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Mirror recently claimed that the Red Devils are ‘keeping tabs’ on Brobbey ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Ajax striker was asked about the situation after he netted a brace in a 4-1 league victory over Waalwijk on Sunday, and explained that he has not spoken to his former manager recently.

“I am not in contact with Erik ten Hag anymore,” said Brobbey. “We used to text through Whatsapp, but I think Erik is busy. I have a new number as well, so.”

Regardless of United’s interest, a mid-season move for the Dutch forward looks almost impossible given the club’s financial situation. United, like several Premier League sides, are wary of the division’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, especially given Everton’s recent harsh punishment.

Ten Hag would like another option up top this window given Ramsus Hojlund is his only fit centre-forward at present. Anthony Martial is undergoing a personalised training programme and was deemed ‘not fit’ by his manager ahead of the recent 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The player’s agent also moved to deny reports last week that Martial has been frozen out by Ten Hag.

Meanwhile, a summer move for Brobbey would align with Ten Hag’s transfer strategy so far at United, with the ex-Ajax boss preferring players he has worked with before or have experience with Dutch football. Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Sofyan Amrabat, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount Antony and Wout Weghorst all fall under that category.

But Ineos are expected to limit Ten Hag's overarching control of transfer plans when Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially becomes a minority shareholder. The 71-year-old told reporters ahead of the Spurs match that he expects the deal to be ratified by 'early to mid-February'.

As for Brobbey, he has scored 13 goals in 25 appearances so far this season, including seven in his last five Eredivisie matches. The 21-year recently earned his first international cap when he came on in latter stages of the Netherlands' 1-0 win over Greece in October.