Youri Tielemans to Man Utd transfer: ‘knockdown fee’, Leicester stance and Christian Eriksen problem

All the latest concerning Manchester United’s possible pursuit of Youri Tielemans on deadline day.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Manchester United are being linked with a late move for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans on deadline day.

It has been a quiet window so far for United, who are playing a patient game when it comes to spending due to their evolving ownership situation. But they could be forced into the market on deadline day following the news that Christian Eriksen, who left Old Trafford on crutches over the weekend, might not play again this season. The former Tottenham Hotspur star picked up an ankle injury and United have confirmed he is not expected back until April or May.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tielemans, who is out of contract at the end of the season, could be of interest, especially if he becomes available on the cheap ahead of the deadline, but United won’t be alone in their interest.

Here we round up all the latest on the situation...

Latest report

United could make a move for Youri Tielemans, according to Ben Jacobs.

It’s claimed the Red Devils are ‘keeping tabs’ on the Belgian, who is out of contract this summer after refusing to sign a new deal with Leicester. Arsenal have been heavily linked as well, but it seems the Gunners will go elsewhere to improve their midfield.

Jacobs told The Football Terrace, via The Boot Room: "I think we shouldn’t only be referring to a late Manchester United movement in terms of strikers. From what I hear it’s more creative-minded players that can either get box to box from attacking midfield, or in central areas, or are a little more versatile across the front areas.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Therefore keep an eye on a player like Youri Tielemans who will be available on a free transfer in the summer. The expectation is that Leicester are going to try and hang on to Tielemans. They are not going to accept any financial offers now, because it’s more valuable to the football club to lose him on a free but have Tielemans help keep Leicester up."

‘Knockdown fee’

ESPN have also highlighted United’s interest in Tielemans, but they believe there will be more than one club tracking the 25-year-old.

The report claims United and others would be looking to sign the midfielder on a ‘knockdown’ fee given Leicester are at risk of losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

Fee problem

However, just because United and others ‘want’ a knockdown fee, it doesn’t mean they are going to get one.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to Fabrizio Romano, United, Arsenal and others have expressed late interest during this window, but Leicester are still demanding a sizable fee, and that could scupper any possible deal. No team is going to pay more than £30m given Tielemans is almost certain to be available for free in the summer, claims the Italian journalist.

It’s also worth mentioning that United would not be able to sign Tielemans on loan due to reaching their limit of loan signings in Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst, both of whom arrived in the January window.