Mourinho, Simeone in battle to snatch Wan-Bissaka from Man Utd limbo

Aaron Wan-Bissaka could have more than just a return to Crystal Palace to consider if he leaves Manchester United, as two European clubs are now reportedly in the race for his signature.

Wan-Bissaka is one of the players at risk as Erik ten Hag prepares to take charge of Manchester United ahead of next season. The incoming manager may prefer a more effective full-back on the right-hand side.

Indeed, Wan-Bissaka’s stock has fallen in recent years, despite a decent start after his 2019 move from Crystal Palace. There were originally questions about his attacking output, but now his whole game is under the spotlight.

In turn, he has recently been linked with a move back to where it all began. Crystal Palace are looking for a player in his position and could sign him for less than what they sold him to Manchester United for.

However, The Sun are now reporting that Palace only want a loan deal for the defender. What’s more, they will face competition from Roma and Atletico Madrid for the 24-year-old.

The Serie A side and their La Liga counterparts are both in the market for right-backs in the summer. Roma will send Ainsley Maitland-Niles back to Arsenal after his loan spell, while Atletico are still searching for a replacement for Newcastle’s January signing Kieran Trippier.

To replace either Englishman, another player of British origin could fill either void.

If he was to move to Roma, Wan-Bissaka – who is also eligible to play for DR Congo – would join up with a couple of other English players. Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham have both been successful in the Italian capital.

There are no details of the terms of any transfer either suitor is willing to explore. Nor is it mentioned what kind of figure United would be looking for. They have Wan-Bissaka under contract until 2024, with the option of an extra year.

The Sun say he will wait for talks with Ten Hag about his future at Old Trafford in the summer. Meanwhile, there could be activity on a move abroad.

Mourinho move would be intriguing for Wan-Bissaka

Another interesting element to one of those exit routes is the presence of Jose Mourinho at Roma. He had left Man Utd by the time they signed Wan-Bissaka, but is aware of what he has done since.

Having got the best out of ex-United players Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in his Roma job so far, Mourinho may raid his former club for the full-back.

It would fit in with what he needs; Maitland-Niles hasn’t been able to convince in Serie A. Consequently, Netherlands international Rick Karsdorp has been burdened with the bulk of gametime at right-back for Mourinho.

But Karsdorp is stronger going forward than defensively. For Wan-Bissaka, the opposite is true, so it could give Mourinho an interesting blend to work with.

Likewise, Atletico have built their dynasty under Diego Simeone on solid defensive foundations. Wan-Bissaka could benefit from playing in such a system that would rely on his stronger traits.

Sime Vrsaljko is the only natural right-back in Simeone’s squad at present. The Atleti boss has also relied on the likes of Marcos Llorente – naturally a midfielder – there.

Adding a more comfortable option like Wan-Bissaka may be beneficial for all parties.

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