Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd, Tottenham battle for Konrad Laimer transfer heats up, with Ralf Rangnick influence to finally tell

RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer

Tottenham and Man Utd are both ‘keen’ to sign RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer this summer following their latest scouting mission, and a move to Old Trafford could finally see Ralf Rangnick’s influence felt, per a report.

United and Spurs are both on the hunt for midfield reinforcements this summer. Tottenham already have a stellar pairing anchoring their midfield in the form of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, with speculation over Harry Winks’ future swirling, combined with a Champions League campaign on the horizon, Antonio Conte needs strength in depth.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are seeking to revamp their midfield entirely. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic will both leave for nothing. Frenkie de Jong is their primary target, though a move for the Dutchman is laced with difficulties.

Barcelona are understood to be open to a sale if their valuation is met. However, convincing De Jong to move will be far from straightforward.

United are reportedly prepared for a drawn-out transfer saga. But if De Jong can’t be convinced, alternatives will need to be signed.

Now, the Daily Mail report both clubs had scouts in attendance to watch Austria’s recent 2-1 defeat to Denmark.

Christian Eriksen did his chances of securing a move up the Premier League ladder a world of good with another sparkling display. But per the Mail, RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer was also watched closely by both United and Spurs.

Contract status makes Leipzig future unclear

The 25-year-old central midfielder will see his contract at Leipzig expire in 2023. If a new deal isn’t on the horizon, this summer is the perfect time for the DFB Pokal winners to cash in.

That’s certainly what United and Tottenham hope will happen, according to Bild.

The German outlet’s report is relayed by the Mail who add the pair are ‘keen’ to bring Laimer to England.

Konrad Laimer, Christopher Nkunku, RB Leipzig celeb during Europa League quarter-final second leg tie v Atalanta

Laimer was first brought to United’s attention via former boss and current Austria manager, Ralf Rangnick.

Laimer would represent a far more cost-effective alternative to the likes of De Jong or Declan Rice for example. Prior reports indicated his contract situation could mean he moves for just £17m this summer.

Rangnick is claimed to have recommended Laimer to United’s hierarchy while at the club. The fact they continue to scout him even after Rangnick has departed suggests they have liked what they’ve seen.

Konrad Laimer good business?

At 25, Laimer is in the prime of his career and his contract status makes him an even more enticing prospect. Indeed, his value would be far higher than £17m had he more than one year left at Leipzig.

Laimer has been a regular starter in the Bundesliga over three of the last four seasons. The only campaign he didn’t feature regularly – 2020-21 – was due to an ankle injury.

Laimer has always provided his fair share of assists from central midfield, though added goals to his game last season. He bagged five strikes from midfield to showcase he’ll bring more than just tough tackling to whichever team he joins next.

The Austrian fits the profile of player Antonio Conte seeks for his midfield. Adding him to a corps that already includes Hojbjerg and Bentancur would ensure Spurs never lack for quality even when rotating.

Likewise, his relatively cheap price could appeal to United who may wind up needing two new midfielders. While he wouldn’t be the star arrival at Old Trafford, he’d certainly be a quality addition.