Man Utd Favorites To Beat Man City For Signing Of Bundesliga Midfielder
Reuters / Phil Noble
Man Utd could be set for a battle with rivals Man City in the transfer market in the summer of 2018, for the services of Borussia Dortmund star Julian Weigl.
The 22-year-old German International has been pivotal for both his club and country in recent times, and is also expected to be on the flight to Russia for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Weigl has garnered interest from both Mancunian clubs, and Jose Mourinho has joined the chase to lure in the highly rated central midfielder.
City manager Pep Guardiola too, is fond of the player, and it will be an interesting battle if both clubs submit formal bids in the summer.
The Bundesliga giants are set to demand at least £54 million for their prized asset, as both giants feel he is a talent worth considering.
According to a report in the Independent, United are believed to be at the forefront to get hold of the German, especially by offering Henrikh Mkhitaryan in return.
The Armenian joined United from Dortmund last summer, and the German outfit will will be more than happy to re-sign their player, who excelled for them during his time at the Ruhr Valley.
REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
United’s offer of a cash-plus-player deal to convince BVB could end up being a successful ploy. Mkhitaryan had a good campaign at United last term, but this season, he has been deemed surplus to requirements with a string of poor performances.
Weigl could be the best fit to support Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in the United midfield, and could be a viable replacement for outgoing Michael Carrick.
Meanwhile, reports stated on Friday that United have bid for Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in the current transfer window, and are willing to offer Mkhitaryan to the Gunners.
If the Sanchez deal does come through, then it will be interesting to see whether Dortmund would still be ready to sell Weigl in the summer, as there won’t be a cash-plus-player deal anymore.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.