While the Frenkie de Jong saga continues to drag on, Manchester United are being linked with other players.
One of those, taking everyone a bit by surprise, is an interest in Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio, whose contract with the Champions League winners runs out in 2023.
The Spaniard has been touted as a target for various clubs, and Manchester Untied appear to be on of them, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The newspaper explain Real Madrid ‘tried to offer Asensio the renewal’, but he wasn’t exactly enthused at the thought, meaning they now need to sell him to ensure he doesn’t leave on a free.
The playmaker scored a healthy 12 goals in 42 appearances, as well as picking up two assists, under Carlo Ancelotti this past season, which is why the price won’t be that much of a bargain.
Corriere explain that while they won’t sell on the cheap, Real ‘know they cannot ask for more than €30-35m’, which is described as an amount Premier League clubs, like Manchester United, ‘can spend with their eyes closed’.
Not only that, but the Red Devils are described as a ‘fascinating destination’ where Asensio could join up with former teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphaël Varane.
Milan, Juventus and Arsenal are also touted as potential landing spots, with the former two having the advantage of being able to offer Champions League football.
The fee, however, could be an issue for them if Real Madrid push for the higher tier of that €30-35m asking price.
To add more weight to the claims, Cadena SER reported on Monday morning that Jorge Mendes is ‘searching for the exit’ of his client, and we all know how much Manchester United enjoy working with the super agent.
