Man Utd named in two-club race to sign free agent Dan-Axel Zagadou after Dortmund exit

Manchester United and Inter Milan are interested in signing Dan-Axel Zagadou after the expiry of his Borussia Dortmund contract, as per a report.

Zagadou came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain but never made an appearance for their first team before leaving in July 2017. Dortmund picked up the former France U21 international on a free transfer.

The centre-back went on to play 91 times for Dortmund in all competitions, registering four goals. He helped the club to win the German cup and German super cup.

Zagadou is now a free agent after his contract at the Westfalenstadion expired on July 1.

He is yet to make a firm decision on his next team and this has led to interest from Manchester United, as well as Italian outfit Inter Milan.

According to French source Media Foot Marseille, Inter want to sign Zagadou and have sent him a contract offer.

The Nerazzurri are at risk of losing defensive stalwart Milan Skriniar to PSG. As a result, they have set their sights on Zagadou as a potential replacement.

The 23-year-old is now a ‘priority’ for Inter. It would represent a shrewd move for Simone Inzaghi’s side as Zagadou wouldn’t cost any transfer fee. Therefore, the funds made from Skriniar’s sale would help to improve other parts of the squad.

Man Utd to battle Inter for Dan-Axel Zagadou

However, Manchester United pose a problem for Inter when it comes to Zagadou’s signature. That’s because the Red Devils like him too and are also preparing to submit a contract offer.

Erik ten Hag already has Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane in his squad, as well as Lisandro Martinez. But it seems the Dutchman wants another centre-half addition and Zagadou could be that man.

PSG are watching the situation closely. They hope Inter beat United to Zagadou, as this would make the Serie A club more likely to let Skriniar go.

The defender would represent a good capture from United. He is a top-flight player who has won a couple of trophies domestically with Dortmund.

And the Manchester side wouldn’t have to spend much money when signing him, which is a big boost.

But significant questions will arise over whether United actually need Zagadou. Ten Hag will start the season with two of Maguire, Varane or Martinez at the back.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are also available to him, so Zagadou would have to settle for a substitute role if he did go to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, a Spanish newspaper claims Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave United due to fears of one of his goalscoring records being broken.