Van Nistelrooy tipped to ‘use Man Utd contacts’ to secure dazzling Leicester signing

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly set to use his connections with former club Manchester United to try and sign youngster Toby Collyer.

The Dutchman got off to a flying start as the Foxes beat West Ham United 3-1 in his first game in charge at the club, but he knows he needs to strengthen his squad.

Leicester are still among the favourites to be relegated this season and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table – four points above the drop zone.

According to The Sun, Van Nistelrooy wants reinforcements in midfield and is ‘planning to use his contacts at Old Trafford to sign starlet Collyer.’

The report claims that Leicester are ‘set to make a loan bid for the 20-year-old midfielder’ in January and Van Nistelrooy ‘believes he could be a key asset in their battle to avoid the drop.’

Van Nistelrooy worked closely with Collyer during his time as assistant manager to Erik ten Hag. The youngster is highly regarded at Man Utd and is touted to have huge potential.

The Red Devils have ‘no interest’ in selling Collyer, but ‘could be open-minded to a loan move, especially to a manager who they know will give him opportunities in the first-team.’

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Van Nistelrooy plots Man Utd raid

Collyer joined Man Utd from Brighton’s academy in 2022. He made his first-team debut as a substitute during the FA Community Shield against Manchester City at the start of this season.

He’s made three senior appearances in total for the Red Devils and there is an acceptance behind the scenes that a loan move could aide his development.

Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, has already admitted he will be looking to strengthen his Leicester squad this winter.

“That was a topic of discussion [with the Leicester bosses],” Van Nistelrooy said this week when asked about potential January additions. “The two conversations were very open and clear.

“It’s important to know how things are in the near future and the further future. January was discussed. The current squad was discussed.

“I have to have a good assessment over the coming weeks ahead of January, giving every player a chance. I’m working with people at the club but I’m looking to bring in other people.”

Man Utd round-up: Gyokeres latest / Davies blow

Meanwhile, Man Utd continue to be linked with a move for Sporting CP goal machine Viktor Gyokeres, who has a positive relationship with Amorim thanks to their time together in Portugal.

Reports suggest that the Red Devils are willing to wait until the end of the season to make their move for Gyokeres. The player is protected by a €100m (£83m / $106m) release clause that Sporting will strictly adhere to next month. Per the report, the clause is the ‘only condition for signing’ Gyokeres mid-season.

However, once the summer window rolls around, Sporting are reportedly willing to let Gyokeres leave at a significantly reduced rate.

In other news, Man Utd are keen to sign a new left-back to cover for injury-plagued duo Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies has been on their radar for some time, largely owing to the fact that his current contract expires at the end of the season.

However, recent reports suggest that negotiations with Bayern regarding a contract extension are ongoing and positive, key figures have been discussed and a new, long-term deal is being fleshed out.

Man Utd will therefore have to look elsewhere for a new left-back, with Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez among the other names on their shortlist.

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