Man Utd sources: Jeremie Frimpong liked by Erik ten Hag and recruitment, but latest claims are premature

Manchester United’s recruitment team and Erik ten Hag both like Jeremie Frimpong, but the most recent claims are premature, UtdDistrict understands.

Manchester United are looking to reinforce their defensive options this summer, and INEOS are looking to recruit fresh faces across the back line after a season which has seen the club concede far too many goals.

With this in mind, it has been claimed across the last few months that United have looked at securing a new centre-back, right-back, and left-back, although the reports differ slightly depending on where the information comes from.

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One man who has been linked a host of times with a move to Old Trafford is Bayer Leverkusen right-wing back Jeremie Frimpong, who has been essential to their title-winning Bundesliga campaign and quest for glory in the Europa League.

Reports from earlier this month suggested that United have already made contact with the 23-year-old star who once sat in Manchester City’s academy. One claim was that United sees the Netherlands international as a “perfect profile in terms of age and asking price.”

United like Frimpong

⁠Sources have told UtdDistrict that manager Ten Hag is a huge fan of Frimpong. Scouting of the emerging talent is an idea that is very much liked by the Dutchman, which may not come as a surprise considering their links internationally.

United have been following Frimpong for “a good while”, and he is liked by the club as a whole. As well as being rated by Erik ten Hag, the recruitment team at Old Trafford, which is now being headed up by new technical director Jason Wilcox, feels the same.

Not yet a target

However, this is where United’s interest in the full-back ends. Despite rating Frimpong highly, UtdDistrict understands that he is not yet a transfer target for the club, and any information claiming he is on INEOS’ transfer list is premature.

A report from David Ornstein earlier this month explained that the club’s four priority positions this coming transfer window are striker, midfielder, centre-back, and left-back. Given the club’s limited funds, a move for a right-back may be ruled out.

ESPN reported that United’s net budget this summer is around £100 million, meaning that if the club needs to spend more than this, it will have to sell assets.