Ralf Rangnick in conflict with Man Utd officials as big push to sign Bundesliga star is vetoed

Manchester United are ready to defy Ralf Rangnick again this summer and turn down his advances to sign Christopher Nkunku, claims a report.

Nkunku has emerged on United’s radar this week with ESPN claiming Rangnick is pushing the Red Devils to sign the Red Bull Leipzig attacker. Rangnick helped bring the 24-year-old attacking midfielder to Leipzig when he was director of football at the German club. And the France Under-21 international has enjoyed a fantastic rise since his move.

His stats make for good reading. Nkunku has scored 31 goals and assisted 40 others in 115 Leipzig appearances overall. He has provided 32 of those direct contributions this season alone.

United did not have interest in Nkunku before Rangnick arrived. And Bild report that Rangnick wanted to add the player to his squad last month.

As soon as it became clear that Mason Greenwood would be off limits, Rangnick wanted Nkunku.

But, per the report, United’s hierarchy decided to block the move, with the club failing to make any signings in the winter transfer window.

Modest price tag for Nkunku

Rangnick remains keen on the player, but United are not convinced he is the right type of player for them this summer.

That comes despite Leipzig officials seemingly setting a relatively-modest £46m (€55m) price tag on his head.

Rangnick is reportedly keen to push through the deal, however, and will seemingly try again to change their minds.

Of course the club are on the hunt for a centre forward, with Edinson Cavani all set to leave when his contract expires.

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Rangnick: It’s ‘obvious’ United need a striker

Greenwood is also unavailable and Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is far from assured.

“This is obvious,” said Rangnick when asked recently over adding a new forward. “Edinson’s contract is running out in the summer and the club needs the best possible centre-forward. I think everyone is aware of that.”

Dybala, Lingard and Kessie main targets for Tottenham this summer

Tottenham will target free agents this summer with Franck Kessie from Ac Milan, Jesse Lingard from Manchester United and Dybala from Juventus being the main options

However, Nkunku has been used in an attacking midfield role this season. And United are said to be looking for a No.9.

The former PSG man’s situation is becoming increasingly attractive to suitors though, as he enters the final two years of his contract.

Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff is well aware of the interest from abroad.

“Christopher Nkunku will continue to play with us next season. That’s our plan,” he said.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford embroiled in war of words over Cristiano Ronaldo rumours