Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd ponder Oxlade-Chamberlain raid, but Liverpool must accept ‘knockdown’ Ten Hag demands

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joel Matip Liverpool v Real Madrid May 2022

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Matip train for Liverpool

Manchester United would consider a bid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain if Liverpool agree to lower their transfer fee, a report has claimed.

The 28-year-old wants to leave Anfield this summer after struggles for game time and the Reds will not stand in his way. He has in fact not played since March 20 in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Oxlade-Chamberlain only has a year left on his contract. As such, Liverpool will look to sell him to avoid losing him for free next summer.

Previous reports have claimed that Aston Villa and West Ham are keen on the 35-cap England international.

According to talkSPORT, though, Man Utd are now considering a bid. They are short of midfielders amid the departures of four players in that area.

Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is their top target to bolster new manager Erik ten Hag’s midfield. But De Jong has reiterated that his preference is to stay at Camp Nou. Indeed, the lack of Champions League football at Old Trafford next season could be a major factor.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has subsequently surfaced on Man Utd’s radar as they look for reinforcements.

However, the Red Devils will not do business unless Liverpool are willing to sell for a ‘knockdown’ £10million.

The report revealing Villa and West Ham interest claimed the Anfield club want more than that figure.

Although, Jurgen Klopp’s side are ready to accept a loss on their £35million, 2017 signing from Arsenal.

United need to bolster their ranks with Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic all departing.

talkSPORT adds that Southampton considered a return for Oxlade-Chamberlain until they assessed his injury record and wage demands.

Tough Liverpool season for Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool midfielder, during Premier League game against Norwich

Liverpool’s ultimately unsuccessful quadruple quest and luck with injuries did not help Oxlade-Chamberlain in his battle for game time.

His lack of action nevertheless showed his place in the pecking order.

Captain Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho are Klopp’s three senior midfielders.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ready to leave Liverpool this summer

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ready to leave Liverpool this summer

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready to leave Liverpool this summer and has interest from Newcastle, West Ham and other Premier League teams

Naby Keita, like Oxlade-Chamberlain, also only has one year left on his contract. However, his 2021/22 resurgence after his own injury problems means he is more likely than his colleague to get a new deal.

Elsewhere, Curtis Jones cemented his first-team role last season, with new signing Fabio Carvalho and fellow youngster Harvey Elliott looking to make their mark next season.