Man Utd defensive target in U-turn; starts house-hunting in Manchester

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all smiles, Manchester United qualify for Europa League final

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Kieran Tripper have been boosted after it was reported that the defender has started looking for houses in the area. 

North-west born Trippier has spent the last two seasons with Atletico Madrid in La Liga. He’s made 68 appearances under Diego Simeone in that time, starring in one of Europe’s meanest defences. His second year in Spain ended in glory too, with Atletico securing their first league title since 2014 on the final day of the campaign.


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His performances have attracted interest from elsewhere, particularly Manchester United. The Red Devils reportedly want to sign the right-back to provide competition to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. With no other senior alternatives, he had to play 54 games in 2020/21.

Trippier would also provide a more attack-minded alternative to Wan-Bissaka, who is better-known for his defensive attributes.

However, their hopes of landing the 30-year-old had seemingly faded. That’s after he decided he wanted to stay in the Spanish capital, while Atletico were unwilling to sell.

That stance will have been a big blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s summer transfer plans.

Trippier wants Premier League return

But he may be able to pursue his interest after all, with The Athletic (via the Mirror) now claiming there has been a change of heart from both the player and his club.

Kieran Trippier, Atletico Madrid defender wants Premier League return, TEAMtalk

 

They say Trippier ‘can’t resist’ the offer of a return to the north-west, and is pushing to make the move happen. Indeed, he is understood to be looking for houses as he prepares for the transfer to happen.

Atletico, meanwhile, are keen for the deal to go ahead too. And they would be happy to sell for as little as £10million, almost half of what they paid Tottenham for him in 2019.

Therefore, it appears that United may be able to secure their man and give more balance to their squad all for a bargain price.

READ MORE: Manchester United are set to benefit if Crystal Palace sell Wilfried Zaha this summer.