According to reports in the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have made an enquiry about signing Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker, who is rated at £30m according to The Sun and is similar in style to current Red Devils star Michael Carrick, but a deal looks unlikely to happen this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Manchester Evening News says that sources close to the player have confirmed United’s interest in the 22-year-old, who caught the eye against the Red Devils in their Europa League quarter-final tie last season by scoring a late equaliser in the first leg in Brussels.
The Manchester Evening News goes on to say that the club have scouted the Belgium international on many occasions and have touched base with his representatives.
However, the report adds that United are one of a number of clubs chasing the 6ft 2in midfielder and a deal will not happen this summer.
How did Dendoncker do last season?
The 22-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Belgian outfit over the course of the last three seasons and he impressed alongside Youri Tielemans – who has since joined Monaco – in the centre of the Anderlecht midfield last term.
The defensively-minded player, who also likes to break into the opposition penalty area at times. made 57 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals including the one against the Red Devils in the Europa League, and it is no surprise that the 6’2″ player is attracting interest from a number of other clubs given how mature and comfortable he is in possession of the ball.
Do United need him right now?
Probably not, no.
Dendoncker’s preferred position is in defensive midfield and with Mourinho having just signed Matic – a similar player in a way – and having captain Carrick for another season, he probably doesn’t need another option there.
The Sun says that Anderlecht rate Dendoncker at £30m and United will certainly be hoping that price tag doesn’t rise too significantly in the future if they do want to bring him to Old Trafford as a potential replacement for Carrick either during the January transfer window or next summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, United may see Dendoncker as more of a player for the future than one for the present but his Carrick-like abilities mean that a move for the midfielder may well happen in 2018.
