Manchester United believe the unexpected unavailability of Mathys Tel represents the “perfect market opportunity” as the club weighs up an approach for the Bayern Munich forward.
Tel, 19, has put a host of clubs across on Europe after the shocking twist he was pushing to leave the German giant before the end of the January transfer window.
Frustrations over first-team opportunities under Bayern manager Vincent Kompany have boiled over for the forward, who has instructed his representatives to seal a move away from the Allianz Arena.
The upper echelon of Europe’s elite, including the English foursome of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and United, have contacted Bayern in recent days over a move for Tel.
Spurs have emerged as the frontrunner for the versatile forward with Ange Postecoglou’s team reaching a “€60 million agreement” with the Bundesliga club, who they are believed to have excellent relations with after the deal which saw Harry Kane go in the opposite direction in 2023.
However, a report relayed by The Peoples Person suggest Tel is “waiting” for an approach by the Red Devils before making a final decision, as the 19-year-old’s preference is a switch to Old Trafford.
These feelings are mirrored by the executive branch at the club who reportedly consider the French starlet the “perfect” signing, according to UtdDistrict.
The report states: “Sources have told UtdDistrict that United see Tel as the perfect market opportunity. Recruitment staff within the club have long kept tabs on the teenager. United would like to bring Tel on loan, with an option to buy the player in the summer transfer window.”
“It is also understood that United plan to formalise their interest in the Bayern Munich forward before the transfer deadline, even without the sale of another attacker.”
There had been a sense United would have to sanction a departure before a new forward could be brought in.
Alejandro Garnacho continues to be a target for Serie A leaders Napoli and domestic rival Chelsea, while a loan move for Marcus Rashford would be the best antidote to the 27-year-old Englishman’s continued dispute with United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Brazilian winger Antony has already left the club in his own loan deal, joining Liga side Real Betis until the end of the season. And the persistent struggles of strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee show no signs of easing.
Tel – a versatile forward capable of playing up top or on the wing – would offer a new dynamic to an attacking unit desperately short on quality. He is considered one of the premier prospects in European football with Bayern having sanctioned a £25 million move for the Frenchman when he was just 17.
The Reds hold a long-term interest in Tel, as do most clubs across Europe, but the 19-year-old starlet appears to only be prioritising one team at present. United must strike now to seal an unexpectedly “perfect market opportunity” before the January transfer window draws to a close on Monday.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
