Manchester United are now more likely to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans than Newcastle United are, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on the The Football Terrace podcast, the reporter shared details surrounding the Belgian’s future at the Foxes.
Surprisingly, he went on to tip the Red Devils over the Magpies to pursue a summer transfer.
“I think we shouldn’t only be referring to a late Manchester United movement in terms of strikers. From what I hear it’s more creative minded players that can either get box to box from attacking midfield, or in central areas, or are a little more versatile across the front areas,” Jacobs said.
“Therefore, keep an eye on a player like Youri Tielemans, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer.
“The expectation is that Leicester are going to try and hang on to TIelemans; they are not going to accept any financial offers now, because it’s more valuable to the football club to lose him on a free, but have Tielemans help keep Leicester up.
“We know Arsenal could be in the mix for a midfielder, especially with Thomas Partey injured.
“And I’m still waiting to see if a Manchester United, less likely a Newcastle, possibly an Arsenal, choose to speed up the strategy on Tielemans, and, due to need, put something down.
“I guarantee you, as soon as anyone puts an offer down for Tielemans, other clubs will have their heads turned and Manchester United are ones to watch in that capacity.”
Man United more likely to sign Tielemans than Newcastle
With the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey all on Tyneside, Newcastle don’t really need to sign the Leicester City man.
Although he is an experienced Premier League player, having made 140 appearances in the division, his reported £120,000-a-week salary would likely upset the wage structure at St James’ Park.
Apart from Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, no other Toon player receives that high a weekly wage. Therefore, if he were to arrive and then sit on the bench each week, this would be deemed a poor investment.
Hailed as a ‘superb’ player by BBC pundit Gary Lineker, if the 25-year-old was willing to take a significant pay-cut, then a transfer would make more sense for the Magpies. However, this appears unlikely.
If Man United do end up offering the money he desires, it is rather likely he will make the move to Old Trafford. Arsenal also remain a possibility.
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