United ramp up pursuit of 20-yo Ligue 1 monster after scouts deliver “glowing reports” – report

Manchester United’s reaction to the price tag for Jeremy Jacquet has been revealed after the club’s scouts delivered “glowing reports” on the French starlet, according to a new report. “A Modern Centre-Back” Jacquet, 20, has impressed at the heart of Rennes’ defence after firmly establishing himself in the first team of his boyhood club this season. He has played every minute of the Ligue 1 campaign so far, with Rennes sitting a comfortable sixth place in the table. The highly-rated youngster  also featured for the France U-21 side, starting in defence alongside Leny Yoro in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland earlier this month. It’s a partnership United appear keen to recreate at club level after scouts were dispatched to Roazhon Park to watch Jacquet in action – and they were reportedly impressed with what they witnessed. Mark Brus (Caught Offside) reveals United scouts have returned “glowing reports” on the defender: “They’ve noted mature performances, aerial dominance, smart positioning, and calm distribution – all the best traits of a modern CB.” The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration of Jacquet, however. Brus notes the 20-year-old has been “on the radar of Arsenal for some time”, while there is potential interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, including Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig – famed for their keen eye for young talent- are also in the mix. A Bargain Buy Brus reveals Rennes are “resigned to losing” their academy star in the near future. One inside source contends an offer worth between €30-40 million would be enough to prise him away from Brittany – a price another well-placed figure believes is a “bargain in this market”. “That figure won’t be a problem for United or Arsenal,” they add, given the financial might of the Premier League in comparison to the rest of Europe. But Brus believes the competition in defence for the Gunners makes it “hard to see” Jacquet getting much playtime at the Emirates. By contrast, the reporter opines, the French youngster “could surely become a key player quite quickly at United.” Ruben Amorim’s system relies on three centre-backs, increasing the scope for minutes for a new recruit. This increases further when the uncertain future of Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and Lisandro Martinez – just back from another long-term absence through injury – are considered. If INEOS were to secure Jacquet, adding him to a backline of Yoro and Ayden Heaven, United’s defence could be set for the next decade with three outstanding young centre-backs to choose from. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.