Man Utd now eyeing deal for 22yo Barcelona target, £52m move could be agreed

Manchester United are interested in landing the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown during the summer transfer window, according to SportBild (page 23).

The Red Devils have had a fantastic turnaround under interim manager Michael Carrick. They are presently third in the Premier League with 54 points and well-placed to qualify for the Champions League.

A return to Europe next season would mean a higher workload, and United will undoubtedly seek to add more quality and depth to the squad. A new left-back could be pursued.

SportBild today claim that United are one of the clubs keen on landing Brown alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. The German left-back could leave Eintracht for a fee of £52 million.

As things stand, Eintracht are seventh in the Bundesliga and may qualify for the Conference League at best if Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen or Stuttgart win the DFB-Pokal Cup.

Meanwhile, the club are nine and 13 points behind the Europa League (fifth) and Champions League (fourth) positions, respectively, with just eight more matches left in the campaign.

With Eintracht facing a huge loss in revenue without major European football next term, it is claimed that Brown could be one of the players sold this summer, alongside Nnamdi Collins.

Brown would be a fine acquisition for Man Utd

Luke Shaw has had an injury-free campaign with the Red Devils. On paper, he is an undisputed starter at left-back when fit. He has benefitted from a lower workload this season.

United are playing a maximum of just 40 matches this term after early Cup competition exits.

The situation could be very different next season, where the Red Devils could play much more with European football and better performances in the FA and Carabao Cups.

Shaw’s immediate deputy at left-back has been Patrick Dorgu (currently injured), but the Dane is not the best defensively. He has shown he is more effective and natural as a winger instead.

We believe Dorgu’s future could be higher up the field, which could pave the way for the Red Devils to spend big on a marquee left-back, who could eventually displace Shaw.

Brown would be a fine addition to United’s ranks. The German can operate as a left-back, left wing-back, or left winger. He has also played in the right-back role this season.

The 22-year-old has dazzled with nine goal contributions and has been solid defensively, too. He has made almost four recoveries and 2.5 tackles per Bundesliga appearance.

Brown has also impressed with his knack for winning ground duels. United may not necessarily pay £52m for his services. A deal could be done for £40m up front with add-ons.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .